cannot be there

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be there" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the inability to be present at a specific location or event. Example: "I regret to inform you that I cannot be there for the meeting tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

"We cannot be there.

The New York Times - Sports

]]> cannot be there!

Stanford University

For some of us she cannot be there often enough.

The Guardian

I feel dreadful knowing that I cannot be there.

The New York Times

And if you cannot be there, you can still do good by it.

The New York Times

Both recently returned to work, but they can still feel close to their daughter even when they cannot be there.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

On Earth, we cannot always be there for these moments.

Huffington Post

You cannot always be there for them.

WikiHow

"There cannot be and there will never be an institutional crisis," he said.

The Guardian

Yet the matter cannot be left there.

The New York Times

"You cannot be 100percentthereere are certain risks".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be there", consider the context and audience to determine the appropriate level of formality. In formal settings, alternatives like "unable to attend" may be preferable. In casual settings, "not able to make it" may be more suitable.

Common error

While "cannot be there" is grammatically correct, it can sound too casual for formal communication. Opt for more professional alternatives like "unable to attend" or "will be absent" in business letters, official emails, and academic papers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be there" functions as a statement of inability or impossibility to be present at a particular place or event. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

18%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot be there" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate an inability to attend or be present at a specific location or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While versatile, its level of formality should be considered, with alternatives like "unable to attend" being more suitable for formal communication. The phrase sees frequent usage in "News & Media", academic, and general contexts. To enhance clarity and professionalism, understanding its nuances and potential substitutes is essential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot attend

A direct and concise way of stating the inability to attend.

unable to attend

This alternative uses a more formal tone and directly states the inability to attend.

unable to be present

This alternative is a more formal and slightly more emphatic way of saying "cannot be there".

will be absent

This alternative states a future absence, focusing on the state of not being present.

will not be present

This is a more formal way of stating future absence, similar to 'will be absent'.

not able to make it

This alternative is more informal and colloquial, implying an effort to attend that was unsuccessful.

unable to join

This alternative focuses on the inability to participate or join in an event or activity.

not able to be with you

This alternative emphasizes a personal connection and the desire to be present.

regretfully unavailable

This alternative is very formal and indicates regret about the inability to attend.

forced to miss

This alternative suggests an external force is preventing attendance.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says "cannot be there"?

It means that the person is unable to attend a specific event or be present in a particular location due to various reasons such as prior commitments, distance, or unforeseen circumstances.

What are some formal alternatives to "cannot be there"?

Formal alternatives include "unable to attend", "will be absent", or "unable to be present". These options are suitable for professional or official communication.

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

You can use it to express regret or explain your absence: "I regret that I cannot be there for your birthday party" or "Due to a prior engagement, I cannot be there at the conference".

Is "cannot be there" grammatically correct?

Yes, "cannot be there" is grammatically correct and widely used in everyday English. However, its appropriateness depends on the context; more formal situations may require alternatives.