cannot generate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot generate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating the inability to produce or create something, often in technical or formal contexts. Example: "The system cannot generate the report due to a lack of data."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She cannot generate warmth.

The New York Times

It cannot generate vertical plumb lines.

The New York Times - Tech

They cannot generate electricity to cover everyday expenses.

The Guardian

It won't if Seattle cannot generate more runs.

The New York Times - Sports

It is not that the funds to be placed in IOLTA accounts cannot generate interest, but that they cannot generate net interest.

Cornell University

Second, it is just untrue to say that the extralegal sector cannot generate capital.

The New York Times - Books

London cannot generate enough income for a country of 65 million.

The Guardian

Sometimes BMP cannot generate enough clinical response to bone regeneration treatment.

Nature

However, a thinner solar cell normally absorbs less light, meaning it cannot generate as much electricity.

MIT Technology Review

Companies cannot generate profits without the ideas, skills, and leadership capabilities of knowledge workers.

Harvard Business Review

That's why the state cannot generate the dynamism that a bottom-up system can.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot generate" in technical writing, ensure that you clearly specify what is failing to be generated and the reason behind the failure. This enhances clarity and provides valuable context for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using overly complex sentence structures when incorporating "cannot generate". Simplicity often enhances clarity, especially in technical or formal contexts. For instance, instead of saying "Due to a confluence of unforeseen circumstances, the system regrettably cannot generate the desired output", opt for "The system cannot generate the output due to unforeseen circumstances".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot generate" primarily functions as a verb phrase expressing the inability to produce or create something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Examples show its use across diverse contexts, highlighting its role in stating limitations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

25%

News & Media

43%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot generate" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote an inability to produce or create something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate across diverse registers, ranging from formal scientific writing to neutral news reporting. The phrase's versatility is evident in its frequent appearance in sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian. To ensure clarity, specify what is not being generated and why. While acceptable across registers, avoid overly complex sentence construction to further improve clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unable to produce

Replaces "cannot" with "unable to", maintaining the same core meaning.

fails to create

Substitutes "generate" with "create" and uses "fails to" instead of "cannot", indicating a lack of success in creation.

is incapable of producing

Emphasizes the lack of capability, replacing "cannot" with a stronger, more formal expression.

lacks the ability to generate

Highlights the absence of the necessary skill or capacity to generate something.

does not produce

A simpler, more direct way of expressing the absence of generation.

is unable to form

Replaces "generate" with "form", implying a lack of capacity to bring something into existence.

cannot bring about

Emphasizes the inability to cause something to happen or come into being.

is deficient in generating

Highlights a deficiency or inadequacy in the ability to generate.

cannot originate

Focuses on the inability to start or initiate the production of something.

is unable to yield

Substitutes "generate" with "yield", indicating a lack of capacity to produce a result or output.

FAQs

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

"Cannot generate" is used to indicate an inability to produce or create something. For example, "The software "cannot generate" the report without the necessary data".

What are some alternatives to "cannot generate"?

Alternatives include "unable to produce", "fails to create", or "is incapable of producing". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to use "cannot generate" or "is unable to generate"?

Both "cannot generate" and "is unable to generate" are grammatically correct and convey the same meaning. "Cannot generate" is slightly more concise, while "is unable to generate" may sound more formal. The choice depends on the desired tone and style.

What does it mean when something "cannot generate"?

When something ""cannot generate"", it means it lacks the ability or capacity to produce, create, or bring about a specific outcome or product. This can apply to systems, processes, or even abstract concepts.