cannot be set

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be set" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is unable to be established, configured, or determined. Example: "The parameters for the software cannot be set without the proper permissions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In case these reconstructions cannot be set exactly as indicated below, settings may be set as close as possible to the ones listed below.

European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging

Alcohol cannot be set aside.

The New Yorker

Football cannot be set in motion artificially.

The New Yorker

The property cannot be set in the blocks editor.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Note: both center and crop cannot be set to "yes".

Harvard University

The decision of the district judge cannot be set aside as clearly erroneous.

Cornell University

Most notably, Drive items cannot be set to any level of "Public" sharing.

Columbia University

Because the cabbage's temperature should not drop too far, it cannot be set outside.

The New Yorker

Exact limits for the terms large, perennial, and flow cannot be set.

Britannica

Such speculations cannot be set to rest by Mr. Reagan's personal word.

The New York Times

One limitation is that the trusts cannot be set up by people who are already insolvent.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be set", ensure the context clearly defines what is attempting to be set and why it's not possible. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be set" in overly broad statements without specifying the limitations. Instead of saying "the rules cannot be set", specify what rules and under what conditions they cannot be set.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be set" functions as a modal passive construction. It indicates the impossibility of performing an action (setting) on a particular subject. Ludwig AI identifies this phrase as correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

32%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cannot be set" is a frequently used and grammatically correct phrase indicating that something is impossible to establish or configure. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. It's particularly prevalent in scientific, academic, and news contexts, signaling limitations or restrictions. Related phrases include "cannot be established" and "cannot be configured", each with nuanced differences in meaning. When using this phrase, be specific about what cannot be set and why, avoiding overly broad statements. This ensures clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be established

Focuses on the inability to prove or demonstrate something.

cannot be configured

Emphasizes the inability to adjust or customize something.

cannot be determined

Highlights the inability to find out or ascertain something.

cannot be adjusted

Focuses on the inability to modify or alter something.

is not possible to set

Rephrases the impossibility using a more explicit construction.

cannot be defined

Focuses on the inability to specify the meaning or limits of something.

cannot be implemented

Highlights the impossibility of putting something into effect.

cannot be assigned

Focuses on the inability to allocate or attribute something.

cannot be designated

Emphasizes the impossibility of officially naming or choosing something.

is unable to be set

Uses a more formal tone to express the lack of ability.

FAQs

How can I use "cannot be set" in a sentence?

Use "cannot be set" to indicate that something is impossible to establish or configure. For example, "The exact date "cannot be set" until all parties agree."

What alternatives are there to "cannot be set"?

You can use alternatives like "cannot be established", "cannot be configured", or "cannot be determined" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "cannot be set" or "is not able to be set"?

"Cannot be set" is generally more concise and preferred. "Is not able to be set" is grammatically correct but less common and sounds more formal.

In what situations is "cannot be set" most appropriate?

"Cannot be set" is suitable in contexts where parameters, limits, or conditions are impossible to define or establish due to specific constraints or limitations.