cannot be subtracted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be subtracted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in mathematical contexts or discussions about quantities where subtraction is not applicable. Example: "In this equation, the value of x cannot be subtracted from y because they represent different units."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Wiki

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

However, the drawback of this approach is that the optimum parameters for spectral subtraction are empirically estimated from a development dataset, meaning that the late reverberation cannot be subtracted correctly as it is not precisely modeled.

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

However, the drawback of this approach is that the optimum parameters for SS are empirically estimated from a development dataset and the late reverberation cannot be subtracted correctly as it is not modeled precisely.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

For instance, take "10" from the tens category if the values in the ones category cannot be subtracted as they are.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

It must be subtracted from the reimbursement.

University of California, Berkeley

The orchestra could not simply be subtracted.

The New York Times - Arts

Now the production costs have to be subtracted.

The New York Times

To do so requires contributions to be subtracted cumulatively.

Nature

Therefore, these data cannot be simply subtracted, but for the calculation of the maximum Δ U in primary tumour and lymph nodes, the baseline scan was first subtracted from the post-treatment scan, and, subsequently, these parameters were calculated from the subtraction scan.

European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging

Residual PQ exposure from doses one and two cannot be accurately subtracted from the PQ exposure of the last dose (dose three) because of multi-compartment kinetics and a long terminal elimination half-life of approximately 20 30 days.

American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

The computer then apparently figures that the value cannot drop below zero, so just 39 cents is subtracted instead of $1. Retailers typically submit for reimbursement the face value of coupons.

Los Angeles Times

and National High School Federation, a bat cannot exceed the standard of minus-3 when its length in inches is subtracted from its weight in ounces.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot be subtracted" to clearly indicate situations where subtraction is not a valid or feasible operation, especially when dealing with non-numerical data or abstract concepts.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be subtracted" when a simple removal or reduction is intended; ensure the context genuinely prohibits the mathematical operation of subtraction. If you can "remove" or "reduce" a thing, there is nothing preventing you from also subtracting it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be subtracted" primarily functions as a declarative statement indicating the impossibility of performing a subtraction operation. As Ludwig AI illustrates, this is often used in contexts where subtraction is logically or mathematically invalid.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be subtracted" is used to clearly state the impossibility of performing subtraction in a given context. Ludwig AI analysis indicates its grammatical correctness and appropriateness for use in formal, academic, and scientific settings, as well as more general explanations. Usage examples are relatively infrequent, but consistent, often occurring in discussions about mathematical impossibilities or logical restrictions. As Ludwig's usage examples show, while the contexts can vary, the phrase is consistent with describing why certain values or quantities cannot undergo the operation of subtraction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be deducted

Focuses on deduction as the impossible action instead of subtraction.

cannot be removed

Highlights the inability to take something away, a broader term than subtraction.

cannot be taken away

Emphasizes the action of removing, similar to subtracting.

subtraction is not possible

States directly that the act of subtraction is unfeasible.

subtraction is not applicable

Indicates that subtraction is not appropriate or relevant in the given situation.

cannot be lessened

Highlights that the value cannot be reduced through subtraction.

cannot be reduced

Emphasizes the impossibility of diminishing a value.

cannot be diminished

Similar to 'reduced' but with a slightly stronger connotation of impossibility.

cannot be offset

Focuses on the impossibility of counterbalancing a value.

cannot be discounted

Highlights the impossibility of discounting a value.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "cannot be subtracted"?

Use "cannot be subtracted" when you want to express that a certain value or quantity cannot be reduced by the operation of subtraction, often because it's not a numerical value or because the context makes subtraction illogical.

What are some alternatives to saying "cannot be subtracted"?

You can use alternatives like "cannot be deducted", "cannot be removed", or "subtraction is not possible" depending on the specific context.

Is "cannot be subtracted" grammatically correct?

Yes, "cannot be subtracted" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard structure of a passive construction using "cannot be" followed by the past participle of the verb 'subtract'.

How does "cannot be subtracted" differ from "should not be subtracted"?

"Cannot be subtracted" indicates an impossibility, while "should not be subtracted" suggests that subtraction is possible but not advisable. The first indicates inability, the second indicates inadvisability.