cannot but be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot but be" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used as a way of expressing inevitability. For example, "Given the circumstances, this outcome cannot but be."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

In other words, Dasein (and so human beings as such) cannot but be open: it is a necessary characteristic of human beings (an a priori structure of our existential constitution, not an exercise of our wills) that we operate with the sense-making capacity to take-other-beings-as.

SEP

The tobacco manufacturers cannot but be aware of it.

The New Yorker

Coming from Mr. Spin himself, criticism of spin cannot but be edifying to all concerned.

The Economist

Yet even enthusiasts cannot but be disconcerted by the manner of its coming.

The Economist

Even journalists raised in the Nixon era cannot but be impressed.

The New Yorker

"The identity of Random House cannot but be weakened and a great tradition harmed".

The New York Times

The zaniness may sometimes irritate, but the execution cannot but be admired and applauded.

The Guardian

The eurozone cannot but be driven by the three biggest economies alone.

The Guardian - Opinion

This feeling cannot but be transmitted to the players in the national squad.

The Guardian - Sport

"The minister obviously has a firm stance," he continues, "and that cannot but be respected.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

A visitor to Diamond or ISIS cannot but be struck by the fact that many of the hundreds of researchers who use them are not physicists at all.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot but be" to emphasize the inevitability of a situation or outcome, adding a touch of formality to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot but be" in very informal writing. Simpler phrases like "has to be" or "must be" often sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot but be" functions as a modal construction, expressing a strong sense of inevitability or logical necessity. As Ludwig AI indicates, it asserts that something must be or will inevitably be the case, leaving no room for alternative possibilities. It is commonly used to state a conclusion or consequence that is unavoidable given certain conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot but be" is a modal construction used to express inevitability or necessity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence in formal writing. While the phrase is most common in News & Media and Science, it can also be found in Formal & Business contexts. When writing, remember that simpler alternatives might be more appropriate for informal situations. While similar to "cannot help but be", the phrase "cannot but be" more directly asserts the inevitability of something, as opposed to implying a lack of control. In summary, "cannot but be" offers a strong, formal way to communicate that something is unavoidable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot help but be

Changes "help but" for "but" maintaining a sense of inevitability but with a slightly more casual tone.

cannot fail to be

Replaces "but" with "fail to", emphasizing the certainty of the outcome.

must necessarily be

Substitutes "cannot but" with "must necessarily", increasing the formality and emphasizing logical necessity.

inevitably is

Uses "inevitably" to directly state the certainty of the situation, simplifying the structure.

is bound to be

Employs "is bound to" to indicate a destined or highly probable outcome.

is sure to be

Uses "is sure to" to express strong confidence in the outcome.

is certain to be

Replaces "cannot but" with "is certain to", highlighting the assuredness of the event.

undoubtedly is

Substitutes the modal phrase with the adverb "undoubtedly", directly asserting the lack of doubt.

necessarily will be

Emphasizes that the outcome is not just probable, but a necessary consequence.

unavoidably is

Uses the adverb "unavoidably" to state directly that the outcome cannot be prevented.

FAQs

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

The phrase "cannot but be" is used to express inevitability or necessity. For instance, "Given the evidence, the conclusion "cannot but be" that he is guilty."

What's a simpler alternative to "cannot but be"?

Alternatives to "cannot but be" include phrases like "must be", "has to be", or "is inevitable", depending on the context and level of formality you want to convey.

Is "cannot help but be" the same as "cannot but be"?

While similar, "cannot help but be" carries a slightly different nuance, often implying a lack of control. "Cannot but be" more directly asserts the inevitability of something.

When is it appropriate to use "cannot but be"?

"Cannot but be" is suitable for formal writing and speech where you want to emphasize the certainty or necessity of a particular outcome or situation. It might sound overly formal in casual conversation.