cannot be sustained

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence 'cannot be sustained' is a valid and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that something cannot be supported, maintained, or kept going for a long period of time. For example, "The company's rapid growth cannot be sustained in the long-term."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The problem is, that cannot be sustained.

The New York Times

But the fantasy cannot be sustained.

The New York Times

"This course cannot be sustained".

The New York Times

That rate cannot be sustained.

The New York Times

"The status quo clearly cannot be sustained," McKay said.

The Guardian

Clearly, rising losses cannot be sustained for ever.

The Guardian

"But it cannot be sustained unless you empower from below".

The New York Times

This situation cannot be sustained indefinitely, in Dr. Myles's view.

The New York Times - Science

That swelled deficits to levels that cannot be sustained indefinitely.

The New York Times

"The status quo cannot be sustained," Mr. Ulgen said.

The New York Times

These losses cannot be sustained, says Edmund C. Moy, the Mint's director.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be sustained", ensure that the context clearly indicates what specific aspect or activity is unsustainable. Providing supporting evidence strengthens the argument.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be sustained" without specifying what factors contribute to its unsustainability. For instance, instead of saying "This plan cannot be sustained", clarify it as "This plan cannot be sustained due to a lack of funding and resources".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be sustained" functions as a modal phrase expressing impossibility or inability to continue a certain action, process, or state. It indicates a limit or constraint that prevents long-term continuation, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

23%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be sustained" is a versatile expression used to indicate the inability to maintain a certain condition or activity over time. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its frequent use in news, science, and business contexts to highlight the need for change or intervention. The phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for formal and professional communication. It is crucial to provide context when using "cannot be sustained" to ensure clarity and impact. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is indeed valid and commonly used in English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is unsustainable

Focuses on the inherent quality of being unable to continue.

is not viable long-term

Emphasizes the lack of long-term feasibility.

is not maintainable

Highlights the inability to keep something at its current level.

will not hold up

Suggests that something will eventually fail or collapse.

is bound to fail

Indicates an inevitable negative outcome.

is on borrowed time

Implies a temporary state before an inevitable end.

has no future

Indicates a complete lack of prospects or continuation.

is a dead end

Suggests that further progress or continuation is impossible.

is doomed to collapse

Emphasizes the inevitable and catastrophic nature of the failure.

is simply not feasible

Highlights the impracticality and unworkability of a situation.

FAQs

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

Use "cannot be sustained" to express that something is not able to continue at the same rate or in the same manner. For example, "The current level of spending "cannot be sustained" without leading to financial difficulties".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "cannot be sustained"?

You can use alternatives such as "is unsustainable", "is not viable long-term", or "is not maintainable" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "cannot be sustained" or "is unsustainable"?

Both "cannot be sustained" and "is unsustainable" are correct. The choice depends on the desired emphasis. "Cannot be sustained" emphasizes the inability to continue, while "is unsustainable" describes the inherent quality of being unable to continue.

What does "cannot be sustained" imply about a situation?

It implies that the situation is temporary or unstable and will eventually change or fail if the underlying factors are not addressed. It suggests a need for adjustments or different approaches to ensure long-term viability.