cannot dispense with

USAGE SUMMARY

"cannot dispense with" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to not be able to do without or go without something or someone. Here is an example sentence: "As a small business owner, I cannot dispense with my dedicated team of employees, as they are crucial to the success of my company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

In the name of Marxism they sacrificed every single ethical value.... Today they cannot dispense with it".

The New York Times - Books

Although the state of Goa is aware of the environmental threat, it cannot dispense with the manna that is tourism.

The Guardian

And Alexander, on his side, finds that he cannot dispense with the bourgeois ideal of marriage so easily after all.

The Guardian - Books

If the aim is no-frills, handheld authenticity, Suspects proves that the one thing you cannot dispense with is the script.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

W. H. Auden "was concerned to be the useful man, the man society cannot dispense with: first as the voice from the tripod, then as the licensed jester".

The New York Times - Books

One of the disadvantages of lacking a formal affiliation with the Trump campaign is that the white nationalists cannot dispense with protesters as easily as the crowds and security personnel at his rallies.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Diplomacy should not -and cannot- dispense with its traditional toolbox, but it does benefit from the incorporation of new instruments to confront these realities.

Huffington Post

"We fear that a renegotiation which seems to favour the UK alone would force other capitals to ask why they cannot simply dispense with those parts of the single market that don't suit them".

BBC

"Theoretical notions of humanity and religion," he flatly declared, "cannot shake the commercial fact that their labor is of great value and cannot be dispensed with".

The New York Times

But on a website called Unsnobbycoffee.com it does assure customers that they will not need to learn a "second language" to order its drinks—an obvious reference to Starbucks' arcane terminology.Naming names can also get companies into trouble of a sort that cannot be dispensed with in a pizza oven.

The Economist

In order to obtain suitable adhesion, substrate pretreatment is a substantial part of a vapour-deposited coating that generally cannot be dispensed with.

Surface and Coatings Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot dispense with", ensure the context clearly establishes what is considered essential and why it cannot be omitted or replaced. This adds weight to your argument and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "cannot dispense with" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "need" or "can't do without" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot dispense with" functions as a modal expression indicating necessity or indispensability. Ludwig AI analysis of numerous examples confirms its role in highlighting the crucial nature of something.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cannot dispense with" is a phrase used to emphasize the essential nature of something, indicating that it is impossible or highly undesirable to omit or disregard it. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in news, scientific, and wiki contexts, displaying a neutral to slightly formal register. When writing, remember to use it in contexts where you wish to convey the indispensability of something, and consider simpler alternatives like ""cannot do without"" or ""essential"" for informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot do without

A more literal and straightforward synonym.

cannot manage without

Focuses on the inability to function properly in the absence of something.

indispensable

Similar to "essential" but emphasizes the inability to do without.

essential

This is a more concise adjective indicating necessity.

cannot sacrifice

Highlights the impossibility of giving something up due to its importance.

crucial

Stresses the importance of something for success.

cannot forgo

Emphasizes the act of sacrificing or giving up something necessary.

integral

Indicates that something is a necessary part of a whole.

vital

Emphasizes the life-sustaining importance of something.

need

A shorter, more direct way to express a requirement.

FAQs

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

You can use "cannot dispense with" to indicate that something is essential or indispensable. For example: "A successful business "cannot dispense with" a strong marketing strategy".

What are some alternatives to "cannot dispense with"?

Alternatives include "cannot do without", "indispensable", or "essential" depending on the specific context. These options provide similar meanings with slight variations in formality and emphasis.

Is "cannot dispense with" formal or informal?

"Cannot dispense with" is generally considered a formal expression. In informal settings, simpler alternatives like "can't do without" or simply "need" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "cannot dispense with" and "dispense with"?

"Cannot dispense with" means something is absolutely necessary, while "dispense with" means to get rid of or do without something. They have opposite meanings.