cannot be understood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'cannot be understood' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is not clear or comprehensible. For example, "The complex instructions given by the teacher cannot be understood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mystery, by definition, cannot be understood.

The New York Times

The referral cannot be understood without appreciating this vital distinction.

The New York Times

Thus, intelligence simply cannot be understood without understanding social cognition.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It cannot be understood in any other way.

Yale University

China's Leninist corporatism cannot be understood as a market economy.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the one cannot be understood without the other.

The Economist

Conservation cannot be understood without taking into account the interaction among species.

The Guardian

Painted colour cannot be understood in the same way as coloured light.

The Guardian

The results cannot be understood until they are decoded - and P&G possessed the key.

The Guardian

The history of Islamdom cannot be understood without reference to them.

Britannica

Iran's continuing suspicions of America and Europe cannot be understood without remembering that grim period.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot be understood" to express the idea that something is beyond one's ability to grasp or comprehend. It's effective for describing complex theories, abstract concepts, or situations lacking clear information.

Common error

Avoid overusing passive constructions with "cannot be understood", as it can sometimes make writing sound convoluted. Consider if an active voice construction would be clearer and more direct. For example, instead of "The report's findings cannot be understood", try "Readers cannot understand the report's findings".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be understood" functions as a passive construction indicating a lack of comprehensibility. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It's used to express that something is beyond one's ability to grasp or make sense of.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Academia

27%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be understood" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey a lack of comprehensibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate in various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific writing. While effective, it's important to use it judiciously, considering whether active voice constructions might offer greater clarity. Related phrases like "is incomprehensible" or "defies explanation" can provide alternative ways to express similar ideas. To conclude, "cannot be understood" is valuable in communicating that something exceeds the grasp of understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is incomprehensible

Replaces 'cannot be understood' with a single adjective emphasizing the lack of comprehensibility.

is beyond comprehension

Highlights that something exceeds the limits of understanding.

is unintelligible

Focuses on the quality of not being able to be understood, often due to the way it's expressed.

escapes understanding

Highlights that something avoids or is missed by comprehension.

defies explanation

Indicates that something is so unusual it cannot be explained.

remains a mystery

Suggests the subject is unsolved or unknown, moving from lack of comprehension to a state of enigma.

is enigmatic

Emphasizes the mysterious and puzzling nature of something.

is not clear

A simpler way of saying something lacks clarity.

is not discernible

Indicates that something is not easily detected or recognized, and thus cannot be understood.

is a closed book

Implies something is secretive and difficult to get to know or understand.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "cannot be understood" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "is incomprehensible", "is beyond comprehension", or "defies explanation". These options maintain a similar meaning while elevating the language's formality.

What's a simpler way to say "cannot be understood"?

If you need a simpler alternative, you could use phrases like "is not clear" or "is unintelligible". These options convey the same core meaning but in a more accessible way.

Is it ever incorrect to use "cannot be understood"?

While grammatically correct, "cannot be understood" can sound awkward in certain contexts. Ensure the surrounding sentence structure is clear and direct. Overusing passive voice can sometimes weaken the impact of your writing. If the sentence is still clunky, try restructuring it with an active voice.

Which is the difference between "cannot be understood" and "cannot be explained"?

"Cannot be understood" implies a lack of comprehension, while "cannot be explained" suggests an inability to provide a rational reason or cause. Understanding focuses on grasping the meaning, while explaining centers on providing an account or justification.