cannot game

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot game" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express an inability to play a game or engage in gaming activities. Example: "Due to my busy schedule, I cannot game as much as I would like."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"They have flexibility to set proficiency levels, but there are enough checks in place to make sure they cannot game the system.

The New York Times

And Treasury is holding off announcing the winning bidders for perhaps the most anticipated of all the bailout programs — the $1 trillion federally subsidized plan to purchase troubled assets from banks — in part to make sure the bidders cannot game the system.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"He is on his last [legs], he is getting older and he cannot play game in, game out.

BBC

Fassel cannot simulate game situations for Collins in practice.

The New York Times - Sports

You cannot really game your score by changing your own behaviour alone.

TechCrunch

"You cannot play games".

The New York Times

But Jeter cannot win games alone.

The New York Times - Sports

Good teams cannot lose games like that".

The New York Times - Sports

I think with the history we have, you cannot play games with such issues".

The New York Times

Many fathers and sons I know cannot play games against each other for fear of spilling over into corrosive competition.

The New York Times - Magazine

The only exception is on weekends, when NBC has exclusive rights, and local networks cannot show games.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing rules or systems, use "cannot game" to indicate that measures are in place to prevent manipulation or exploitation. For example: "The regulations are designed so that companies "cannot game" the system to avoid taxes".

Common error

Avoid using "cannot game" when simply referring to a lack of skill or interest in playing games. It's more appropriate when referring to preventing manipulation of a system. Instead use "can't play games" or "not interested in gaming".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot game" functions as a verb phrase expressing an inability to manipulate or exploit a system, rule, or situation for personal advantage. As Ludwig AI explained it, measures are in place to prevent manipulation or exploitation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot game" is used to describe situations where a system or set of rules is designed to prevent manipulation or exploitation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct. Although the phrase is infrequent, it is applicable in a variety of contexts, primarily in news and media, to ensure fairness. When writing, remember that "cannot game" should be used when referring to the prevention of system manipulation, not merely a lack of gaming skill. Alternatives such as "unable to manipulate" and "cannot exploit" can be used in similar contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot manipulate

Directly expresses the inability to control or influence something unfairly.

unable to manipulate

Focuses on the inability to manipulate a system or situation for personal gain.

unable to exploit

Highlights the lack of capacity to take unfair advantage.

cannot cheat

Focuses specifically on the inability to deceive or act dishonestly.

unable to subvert

Emphasizes the lack of power to undermine or overthrow.

unable to influence unfairly

Highlights the inability to exert undue influence.

incapable of rigging

Highlights the lack of capability to dishonestly arrange something.

prevented from manipulating

Highlights an external force stopping the manipulation.

unable to finagle

Focuses on the inability to obtain something by devious or dishonest means.

restricted from exploiting

Emphasizes limitations in exploiting a system.

FAQs

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

Use "cannot game" to describe situations where rules or systems are designed to prevent individuals or entities from manipulating or exploiting them for unfair advantage. For example, "The new policy ensures that no one "cannot game" the system".

What does it mean when someone says you "cannot game" a system?

It means the system has safeguards to prevent manipulation or exploitation for personal gain. It suggests the rules are structured to ensure fairness and prevent individuals from circumventing them.

What are some alternatives to saying "cannot game"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "unable to manipulate", "cannot exploit", or "unable to cheat".

Is "cannot game" formal or informal language?

"Cannot game" is generally considered neutral, suitable for both news reports and professional documents. However, more formal alternatives might be preferable in highly formal contexts.