cannot be verified

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be verified" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing information or claims that lack sufficient evidence or proof to confirm their accuracy. Example: "The authenticity of the document cannot be verified, so we must treat it with caution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His account cannot be verified.

The Guardian

Again, it cannot be verified.

The Guardian

These figures cannot be verified.

The Guardian

These videos cannot be verified.

The Guardian

The data cannot be verified.

The Washington Post

This cannot be verified at this time.

The Guardian

Whether these funding arrangements actually exist cannot be verified.

The Guardian

These figures cannot be verified at this point.

The Guardian

Sales that took place before 1992 cannot be verified.

The New York Times

Gravitational microlensing is very controversial because it cannot be verified.

Cornell University

Lorenz's metaphors, while apparently reasonable, cannot be verified inductively.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

If you state that something "cannot be verified", offer alternative interpretations or perspectives, if available, to maintain a balanced and objective tone.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be verified" as a definitive dismissal of information. Instead, acknowledge the uncertainty while remaining open to potential future verification or alternative explanations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be verified" functions as a qualifier, indicating that information is unconfirmed due to a lack of evidence. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

23%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot be verified" is a common and grammatically sound way to express uncertainty about the accuracy of information. As Ludwig suggests, this phrase sees frequent usage across News & Media, Scientific, and Encyclopedia sources, highlighting its broad applicability. When using this phrase, it's best practice to provide context for why verification is not possible and remain open to future evidence. Avoid using the phrase as a definitive dismissal, recognizing the uncertainty inherent in the statement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be confirmed

Focuses on the lack of confirmation, implying a need for corroboration.

cannot be substantiated

Highlights the absence of evidence needed to support a claim or statement.

cannot be validated

Emphasizes the inability to prove the validity or correctness of something.

cannot be corroborated

Stresses the lack of independent evidence to support or confirm a statement.

remains unconfirmed

Indicates that something has not yet been officially or reliably confirmed.

remains unverified

Direct synonym, highlighting the absence of verification.

lacks verification

Focuses on the absence of a process or means to verify information.

is impossible to prove

Emphasizes the inherent difficulty in providing evidence or proof.

is open to question

Suggests that the accuracy or truth of something is doubtful or uncertain.

is uncertain

Simply indicates a lack of certainty or definiteness.

FAQs

What does "cannot be verified" mean?

The phrase "cannot be verified" means that there is no way to prove or confirm the truth, accuracy, or validity of something due to a lack of evidence or reliable sources.

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

You can use alternatives like "cannot be confirmed", "cannot be substantiated", or "cannot be validated" depending on the context.

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

It's appropriate to use "cannot be verified" when discussing information, claims, or reports where there is no available method or evidence to confirm their truthfulness or accuracy. This often occurs with preliminary reports, unconfirmed data, or anecdotal evidence.

What's the difference between "cannot be verified" and "cannot be confirmed"?

While similar, "cannot be verified" generally implies a lack of any means to check the accuracy, while "cannot be confirmed" suggests that confirmation is pending or possible but not yet obtained.