cannot continue

USAGE SUMMARY

"cannot continue" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a certain action or process is unable to be continued for some reason. Example: "Due to the severe weather conditions, the outdoor event cannot continue as planned."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It just cannot continue".

Independent

This cannot continue.

The New York Times

These killings cannot continue".

Independent

But this cannot continue forever.

The Economist

"This cannot continue on forever.

The New York Times

"This cannot continue," he warned.

Independent

This cannot continue to happen.

The New York Times

Israel cannot continue the freeze".

The New York Times

"But it cannot continue.

The New York Times - Sports

This simply cannot continue.

The New York Times

Such tactics cannot continue.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot continue", ensure the reason for the inability to proceed is clear from the context. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

While "cannot continue" is generally acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your phrasing by using alternatives such as "is unsustainable" or "must cease" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot continue" functions primarily as a verb phrase expressing the inability or impossibility of something to proceed. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across varied contexts. For example, "This simply cannot continue" shows its direct application in expressing cessation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot continue" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression indicating the impossibility of something proceeding. Ludwig AI confirms its versatility, evident in the numerous examples from reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian. While suitable for various contexts, it leans towards a neutral to professional register, making it appropriate for formal communication. Consider using alternatives like "is unsustainable" or "must cease" for nuanced expression and to avoid repetition. When employing this phrase, ensure the reason for cessation is evident to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can't go on

An informal way of saying that something cannot continue, often due to emotional or practical reasons.

must cease

Emphasizes the necessity of stopping something, often with a sense of urgency.

has to stop

Highlights the obligation or requirement for something to be halted.

is no longer feasible

Highlights the impracticality or unworkability of continuing something.

will have to cease

Expresses future necessity to stop something

is impossible to sustain

Emphasizes the difficulty in supporting the continuation of something.

is unsustainable

Focuses on the long-term viability of something rather than its immediate cessation.

is no longer an option

Highlights the impracticality of continuing something, in terms of choices

should be discontinued

Suggests a recommendation or formal decision to halt something.

is at an end

Implies a natural conclusion or termination of something.

FAQs

How can I use "cannot continue" in a sentence?

Use "cannot continue" to express that an action or process is unable to proceed. For example, "Due to lack of funding, the project "cannot continue"".

What can I say instead of "cannot continue"?

You can use alternatives like "is unsustainable", "must cease", or "is no longer feasible" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "can not continue" instead of "cannot continue"?

While "can not continue" is technically grammatically correct, "cannot continue" is generally preferred as it's more concise and widely accepted in both formal and informal writing.

What's the difference between "cannot continue" and "will not continue"?

"Cannot continue" implies an inability to proceed, while "will not continue" indicates a decision not to proceed. For example, "The machine "cannot continue" because it's broken," versus "The company "will not continue" the project due to budget cuts."