cannot be taught

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be taught" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the idea that certain skills, knowledge, or qualities are innate and cannot be learned through instruction or education. Example: "Some people believe that creativity cannot be taught, but rather it is a natural talent that one is born with."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It cannot be taught.

The New Yorker

Such things cannot be taught to dogs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Creativity cannot be taught," Ms. Caines said.

The New York Times

"But his short game cannot be taught.

The New York Times - Sports

They just cannot be "taught".

The Guardian

Yet some things simply cannot be taught.

The New York Times - Sports

And that "artisan element" cannot be taught.

The Guardian - Opinion

It cannot be taught in a classroom.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It cannot be taught in sociology lessons in school.

The Economist

Practical wisdom cannot be taught the way accounting can.

The New York Times

It also implies that great teaching cannot be taught.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, consider providing examples to clarify what aspects of a subject are teachable versus those that are not.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be taught" as a blanket statement that dismisses the value of education or training. It is more effective to acknowledge the limits of formal instruction while highlighting the importance of experience and innate abilities. Don't undervalue the impact of structured learning; instead, make sure the point is that some innate abilities may exist beyond formal teaching.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be taught" functions as a predicate adjective within a sentence, describing a quality or skill that resists formal instruction. Ludwig AI analysis shows it's commonly used to emphasize inherent traits or abilities, as seen in examples like "creativity cannot be taught."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

13%

Science

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be taught" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate that certain qualities or skills are best acquired through experience or are inherently present. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its common usage in news, academic, and general contexts, deeming it appropriate for various communication styles. While grammatically correct, you should take extra care in making sure it is well contextualized to avoid devaluating formal instruction. Use this phrase thoughtfully to underscore the importance of innate abilities and experiential learning, as opposed to knowledge gained in a classroom.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is unteachable

Emphasizes the inability to teach something, focusing on the teaching aspect.

is not learnable

Focuses on the student's inability to learn, rather than the teacher's inability to teach.

is innate

Highlights the inherent nature of a skill or quality, implying it's present from birth.

is inherent

Similar to "innate", emphasizing the intrinsic nature of something.

is ingrained

Suggests the quality or skill is deeply rooted and difficult to change.

is a natural gift

Highlights the talent as a natural endowment.

comes naturally

Implies ease and natural ability, suggesting a lack of required learning.

is beyond instruction

Focuses on the limitations of formal education or teaching.

is not something you can train

Highlights that is not a traininable skill.

defies instruction

Implies that teaching is ineffective or impossible.

FAQs

How do I use "cannot be taught" in a sentence?

Use "cannot be taught" to describe skills, qualities, or knowledge that are best acquired through experience or are considered innate. For example, "Empathy "cannot be taught"; it's learned through understanding and shared experiences."

What can I say instead of "cannot be taught"?

You can use alternatives like "is unteachable", "is innate", or "is inherent" depending on the context.

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

Both "cannot be taught" and "can't be taught" are grammatically correct. The contracted form "can't" is more informal, while "cannot" is more formal. Choose based on the tone and style of your writing.

What's the difference between "cannot be taught" and "cannot be learned"?

"Cannot be taught" focuses on the ineffectiveness of instruction, while "cannot be learned" focuses on the impossibility of acquiring the skill or knowledge, regardless of teaching methods. "Cannot be taught" means that teaching is inefficient but "cannot be learned" is stronger and means that learning is totally impossible.