cannot be trusted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be trusted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing doubt or skepticism about someone's reliability or honesty. Example: "Given his history of dishonesty, it's clear that he cannot be trusted with sensitive information."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Americans cannot be trusted".

Independent

Mr Kerry cannot be trusted.

The Economist

Mitt Romney cannot be trusted.

The New York Times

"His word cannot be trusted".

The New York Times

They cannot be trusted.

The Guardian - Opinion

He cannot be trusted".

The New York Times

Doctors cannot be trusted.

The Washington Post

The people cannot be trusted".

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Bashir's government cannot be trusted.

The New York Times

Its security forces cannot be trusted.

The Economist

(An amnesiac cannot be trusted with gold).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "cannot be trusted", ensure that the context clearly indicates the reason for the lack of trust. Providing specific examples or justifications can strengthen your argument and make it more persuasive.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "cannot be trusted" as a blanket statement without providing supporting evidence. This can come across as unfair or biased and weaken your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be trusted" functions as a verb phrase expressing a lack of confidence or reliability in a person, entity, or system. This is supported by Ludwig's analysis, indicating that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be trusted" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey a lack of confidence or reliability. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability. It's frequently found in news and media, with neutral to professional registers. While versatile, it's crucial to provide context and avoid overgeneralization. Related phrases include "is unreliable" and "cannot be relied upon". When writing, ensure clear reasoning for distrust and avoid unsupported statements. The analysis of Ludwig's data indicates a strong presence across diverse reputable sources, reinforcing its validity and common usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is untrustworthy

Highlights a lack of integrity.

is not to be trusted

A more formal and emphatic way of expressing distrust.

cannot be relied upon

Emphasizes the inability to depend on the subject.

is not dependable

Highlights the lack of reliability in a slightly more formal tone.

is unreliable

Focuses on the lack of dependability.

is not credible

Focuses on a lack of believability.

is suspect

Implies a degree of suspicion.

is dubious

Similar to "questionable" but slightly stronger in its implication of doubt.

is questionable

Suggests doubt about the subject's honesty or reliability.

is treacherous

Indicates a potential for betrayal or deceit.

FAQs

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

Use "cannot be trusted" to express a lack of confidence in someone's reliability or honesty. For example, "Given his history of dishonesty, he "cannot be trusted" with sensitive information."

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

You can use alternatives like "is unreliable", "is untrustworthy", or "cannot be relied upon" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "cannot be trusted"?

It's appropriate to use "cannot be trusted" when you have valid reasons to doubt someone's integrity or ability to fulfill their responsibilities. Be sure to provide context or evidence to support your claim.

What's the difference between "cannot be trusted" and "is suspect"?

"Cannot be trusted" suggests a general lack of reliability or honesty, while "is suspect" implies a specific reason for suspicion, often related to a particular situation or activity.