cannot coexist with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot coexist with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe two or more entities, ideas, or conditions that are incompatible or unable to exist together. Example: "The new policy cannot coexist with the existing regulations, leading to confusion among employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

It cannot coexist with the constitution here in America".

The Guardian

It tells you that they cannot coexist with others.

The Guardian

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

The Guardian - Opinion

It's not that sheep farming cannot coexist with flood management, but it will have to be restricted.

The Guardian - Opinion

Type-I superconductors are simpler to explain, but of limited use since they cannot coexist with a magnetic field.

The Economist

To the former residents, the suggestion that they cannot coexist with the wildlife on Harris Neck is absurd.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

And the N.B.A. is facing the possibility of Shaquille O'Neal being traded by Phoenix because, as Dan Bickley argues in The Arizona Republic, he cannot coexist on a team with Steve Nash.

The New York Times

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

Nationalism and the split atom cannot coexist on the planet.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot coexist with", ensure that the subjects being compared are clearly defined and that the incompatibility is evident from the context. For example, "Ideological extremism cannot coexist with a pluralistic society" clearly illustrates the conflict.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot coexist with" when the relationship is merely one of tension or difficulty, rather than complete incompatibility. Overstating the relationship can weaken your argument. For example, saying "Traditional methods cannot coexist with modern technology" might be an overstatement if some integration is possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot coexist with" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the relationship between two entities and asserting their incompatibility. It indicates that the simultaneous existence or occurrence of the two subjects is impossible. Ludwig AI examples demonstrate this in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot coexist with" is a grammatically sound and useful expression to denote fundamental incompatibility between two entities, as validated by Ludwig AI. While not exceedingly common, it finds frequent application in News & Media and Scientific contexts, indicating a register that leans towards neutral to formal. For conveying similar meanings, consider alternatives like "are incompatible with" or "are mutually exclusive with". Ensure that when employing "cannot coexist with", the incompatibility is clearly demonstrable and not merely a matter of tension. While both "cannot" and "can't" are acceptable, the former conveys a more formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are incompatible with

Changes the verb and preposition to convey the same meaning.

cannot exist alongside

Replaces "coexist" with "exist alongside" maintaining the core meaning.

are mutually exclusive with

Uses a more formal tone and emphasizes the exclusivity of the two entities.

are mutually incompatible

Uses an adjective to describe the relation between two entities.

preclude each other

Replaces the entire phrase with a verb that implies prevention of simultaneous existence.

are irreconcilable with

Indicates that the two entities cannot be brought into agreement or harmony.

cannot be reconciled with

Uses passive voice to express the impossibility of harmonizing two entities.

are antithetical to

Indicates a direct opposition between the two entities.

clash with

Uses a more informal verb to describe the conflict between two entities.

are at odds with

Implies that the two entities are in disagreement or conflict.

FAQs

What does "cannot coexist with" mean?

The phrase "cannot coexist with" means that two or more things are incompatible and unable to exist or occur together at the same time. It implies a fundamental conflict or opposition.

How can I use "cannot coexist with" in a sentence?

You can use "cannot coexist with" to describe situations where two concepts, entities, or conditions are fundamentally opposed. For instance, "Dictatorship cannot coexist with democracy" illustrates the inherent incompatibility between these political systems.

What are some alternatives to "cannot coexist with"?

Some alternatives to "cannot coexist with" include "are incompatible with", "are mutually exclusive with", or "are antithetical to". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct: "cannot coexist with" or "can't coexist with"?

Both "cannot coexist with" and "can't coexist with" are grammatically correct. "Cannot" is more formal, while "can't" is a contraction and is more informal. The choice depends on the desired tone and context.