cannot be supposed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be supposed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing that something is not believed to be true or cannot be assumed to be the case. Example: "Given the evidence presented, it cannot be supposed that he acted alone in this matter."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

John Rawls' [32] view is that since global citizens cannot be supposed to see themselves as free and equal human beings who should relate fairly to each other, we cannot build coercive social institutions that assume they do.

European Journal of Futures Research

If so, the gods, at any rate, cannot be supposed to have either joy or sorrow.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It is true, also, as is asserted, that the process of a State cannot be supposed to run beyond its own territory.

Harvard University

The revisers explained that a literal interpretation of such language 'would involve consequences which Congress cannot be supposed to have intended.

Cornell University

It is fundamental, and we are of opinion that the private property of riparian proprietors cannot be supposed to have deeper roots.

Cornell University

have for their sole object the internal government of the country is a very serious measure which Congress cannot be supposed to adopt lightly or inconsiderately...

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Zeno cannot be supposing that his arguments against plurality entailed the doctrine of Parmenides when that doctrine is represented in this same dialogue by Parmenides himself as something altogether more involved than the simple thesis that only one thing exists.

SEP

Now however suppose the anthropologist makes what appears to be a judgement about what is maalu that is not just idiosyncratic but wildly idiosyncratic, so idiosyncratic that it cannot at all credibly be supposed to be either a misunderstanding or a novel interpretative judgement about what the Membini's code commits them to.

SEP

"We cannot begin what is supposed to be a new era under a new constitution in the same old ways," he added, referring to the charter adopted in 2010.

BBC

They cannot learn because they cannot remember what they're supposed to have learned.

The Guardian - Books

But even he, it is supposed, cannot live for ever.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot be supposed" to express a formal disagreement or a reasoned doubt about an assumption. It is particularly effective in academic, legal, or analytical contexts where a degree of skepticism is warranted.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be supposed" in casual conversation or informal writing. It may sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "I don't think" or "it's unlikely" for everyday communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be supposed" functions as a modal construction expressing disbelief or the rejection of an assumption. It indicates that a particular idea or statement should not be considered true or valid. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Academia

40%

Science

35%

News & Media

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cannot be supposed" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express doubt or to refute an assumption. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and appropriate for use in written English. Primarily found in academic and scientific contexts, it serves to introduce counterarguments or to question the validity of claims. While not overly common, its use indicates a formal, reasoned approach to disagreement or skepticism. For less formal situations, alternatives such as "I don't think" or "it's unlikely" may be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be assumed

Expresses that something should not be taken as a given or accepted without proof; it focuses on a lack of justification.

cannot be believed

Emphasizes the incredibility of something, suggesting it's difficult to accept as true.

cannot be imagined

Highlights the difficulty in conceiving or envisioning something, focusing on its implausibility.

is not to be thought

Formally indicates that something should not be considered or entertained as a possibility.

should not be inferred

Focuses on the act of drawing a conclusion, suggesting that a particular conclusion is unwarranted.

cannot be conceived

Indicates an impossibility in understanding or mentally grasping something.

must not be taken for granted

Emphasizes the importance of not overlooking or underestimating something.

is out of the question

Indicates something is completely impossible or unacceptable.

cannot be entertained

Suggests that something should not be considered or allowed as a possibility.

is beyond the realm of possibility

Emphasizes that something is not achievable or realistic.

FAQs

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

The phrase "cannot be supposed" is used to express disbelief or to reject an assumption. For example, "It "cannot be supposed" that the data is entirely accurate given the known limitations of the measurement method."

What is a more informal way to say "cannot be supposed"?

More informal alternatives to "cannot be supposed" include "it's unlikely", "I doubt", or "I don't think". The choice depends on the specific context and the degree of formality required.

Which is correct, "cannot be supposed" or "can't be supposed"?

"Cannot be supposed" is more formal, while "can't be supposed" is a contraction and therefore more informal. Both are grammatically correct, but the appropriate choice depends on the desired tone and context.

What's the difference between "cannot be supposed" and "cannot be assumed"?

While similar, "cannot be supposed" implies a level of reasoned doubt or skepticism, whereas "cannot be assumed" simply means something should not be taken for granted without proof. The best choice depends on whether you want to convey doubt or simply a lack of justification.