cannot coexist

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot coexist" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that two or more things are unable to exist together at the same time or in the same context. Example: "In a world where honesty and deceit cannot coexist, individuals must choose their values wisely."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They cannot coexist".

The Guardian - Tech

These two sports just cannot coexist.

The New York Times - Travel

There is no reason these two values cannot coexist.

The New York Times

It cannot coexist with the constitution here in America".

The Guardian

Nationalism and the split atom cannot coexist on the planet.

The New Yorker

It tells you that they cannot coexist with others.

The Guardian

His work suggests that people and nature cannot coexist.

The Economist

We cannot coexist with the occupation, and we will not surrender to it.

The Guardian - Opinion

The conventional wisdom has been that a dollar bill and a coin cannot coexist.

The New York Times

Perhaps he's right; perhaps pedicabs and cars cannot coexist in Manhattan.

The New York Times

When Allen Iverson and Jerry Stackhouse cannot coexist in Philadelphia, the public outcry is minimal.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot coexist" to highlight fundamental conflicts or incompatibilities, making your argument more forceful and persuasive.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot coexist" when a milder term like "do not easily coexist" would be more accurate. Overstating the incompatibility can weaken your argument if the relationship is merely strained rather than impossible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot coexist" serves as a predicate in sentences, expressing that two or more entities are incapable of existing or occurring together harmoniously. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, appearing in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

22%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot coexist" is a versatile and frequently used expression to denote incompatibility or mutual exclusivity. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically sound and appears in a variety of contexts, particularly in news, scientific discussions, and general discourse. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in defining the subjects and the reasons for their incompatibility. Alternatives like "are incompatible" or "are mutually exclusive" can provide similar meanings with slightly different nuances. However, it's also essential to avoid overstating incompatibility when a milder expression would be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are incompatible

Highlights a fundamental contradiction or opposition, focusing on the inherent nature of the subjects.

are mutually exclusive

Emphasizes that the presence of one necessitates the absence of the other, suggesting a logical or categorical separation.

are irreconcilable

Suggests a deep-seated conflict that prevents harmony or agreement, often implying an emotional or ideological dimension.

cannot be reconciled

Focuses on the impossibility of bringing two things into agreement or harmony.

are in opposition

Highlights direct conflict or antagonism, suggesting active resistance or counteraction.

are antithetical

Stresses a complete contrast or direct opposition, often implying a fundamental difference in nature or principle.

do not go together

Offers a more informal and general way of expressing incompatibility, suitable for everyday conversation.

are unsustainable together

Emphasizes that the subjects can't continue to exist jointly in the long term, often used in environmental or economic contexts.

are a contradiction in terms

Highlights the logical impossibility of the two terms existing simultaneously, suggesting a fundamental flaw in the concept.

cannot be integrated

Focuses on the inability to combine or merge two entities into a unified whole.

FAQs

How to use "cannot coexist" in a sentence?

You can use "cannot coexist" to indicate that two or more things are incompatible and unable to exist together. For example, "Freedom and oppression "cannot coexist" in a just society".

What can I say instead of "cannot coexist"?

Alternatives to "cannot coexist" include phrases like "are incompatible", "are mutually exclusive", or "are irreconcilable", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "cannot coexist" or "can't coexist"?

"Cannot coexist" and "can't coexist" are both grammatically correct. The former is more formal, while the latter is a contraction and more suitable for informal writing.

What's the difference between "cannot coexist" and "do not coexist"?

"Cannot coexist" expresses a stronger sense of impossibility or fundamental incompatibility, whereas "do not coexist" simply indicates that two things do not happen to exist together, without necessarily implying that they are inherently unable to.