cannot communicate with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot communicate with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where one party is unable to exchange information or messages with another party. Example: "Due to technical issues, the system cannot communicate with the server."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I just cannot communicate with them, really".

The New Yorker

They cannot communicate with one another.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"I cannot communicate with people," he said.

The New York Times

The cheaper models cannot communicate with many devices.

The New York Times

But the suppliers cannot communicate with Wal-Mart through the Internet.

The New York Times

"Even though they cannot communicate with him, they always pick him up on weekends.

The New York Times

But the greatest problem is that those agencies' computers cannot communicate with one another.

The New York Times

Candidates cannot communicate with millions of voters without simplifying, condensing and, yes, packaging.

The New York Times - Books

"I cannot communicate with my family," he said, explaining that government censors "listen to everything".

The New Yorker

As Iris Murdoch once wrote, "The bereaved cannot communicate with the unbereaved".

The New Yorker

In many cases, the companies have separate computer systems that cannot communicate with one another.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In interpersonal contexts, consider whether "cannot communicate with" reflects a temporary barrier or a fundamental incompatibility.

Common error

Avoid implying that a communication breakdown is permanent when it may be temporary. Instead of saying 'they "cannot communicate with" each other', consider 'they are currently unable to communicate effectively'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot communicate with" functions as a verb phrase expressing an inability or lack of capacity to exchange information. As shown by Ludwig, it is used to describe failures in interpersonal, technological, and even abstract systems of communication.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

37%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot communicate with" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe an inability to exchange information or establish a connection between entities. As evidenced by the numerous examples found by Ludwig, its usage spans various contexts, including technology, interpersonal relations, and abstract systems. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and wide applicability. When using the phrase, ensure you accurately convey the nature and potential permanence of the communication barrier. Consider alternatives such as "unable to connect with" or "unable to interact with" to fine-tune your meaning. Avoiding overstatement in your writing helps maintain clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unable to connect with

This alternative is a more general way of expressing the inability to establish a connection.

unable to interact with

This suggests a broader lack of engagement or reciprocal action, not just communication.

incapable of corresponding with

This alternative emphasizes the formal aspect of exchanging messages.

out of contact with

Focuses on the state of being disconnected, rather than the inability to communicate.

cannot get in touch with

Implies an attempt to initiate communication that has failed.

unable to reach

This suggests a failure to establish contact, often due to distance or obstacles.

cannot liaise with

This refers to the inability to act as a link or intermediary for communication.

cannot interface with

Implies a lack of compatibility or a barrier preventing interaction, often in technical contexts.

fail to connect with

Emphasizes the unsuccessful attempt to form a relationship or understanding through communication.

lack the means to communicate with

Highlights the absence of the necessary resources or skills for communication.

FAQs

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

You can use "cannot communicate with" to describe a situation where there is an inability to exchange information between people, systems, or entities. For example: "Due to the language barrier, they "cannot communicate with" each other effectively."

What's a formal alternative to "cannot communicate with"?

A more formal alternative would be "unable to correspond with" or "incapable of establishing communication with". These alternatives are suitable for professional or academic settings.

What can I say instead of "cannot communicate with" when describing a technical issue?

When describing a technical issue, you can use phrases like "unable to connect with", "cannot interface with", or "unable to reach" to indicate a failure in system communication.

Is it better to use "cannot communicate with" or "does not communicate with"?

"Cannot communicate with" implies an inability or barrier preventing communication, while "does not communicate with" simply states a lack of communication. The best choice depends on the specific context you're describing.