cannot go on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot go on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something cannot continue or persist any longer, often due to exhaustion, frustration, or an insurmountable obstacle. Example: "After working for hours without a break, I realized I cannot go on any longer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We cannot go on like this," one senior MP said.

Independent

"It cannot go on like this.

The Guardian

Booms cannot go on forever.

The New York Times

This cannot go on forever.

The New York Times

It cannot go on forever".

The New York Times

We simply cannot go on like this.

The Guardian - Opinion

But it cannot go on forever.

The New Yorker

Every operation cannot go on forever".

The New York Times

If something cannot go on forever, it will stop.

University of California, Berkeley

Both parties agree that this cannot go on forever.

The New York Times

But, Lyons added despondently, "this cannot go on forever".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot go on" to express the unsustainability of a situation or the impossibility of continuing a certain course of action. Ensure the context clearly indicates what specifically is unsustainable.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot go on" when a simple pause or temporary break is needed. This phrase typically implies a more fundamental or long-term issue, not just a momentary interruption.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot go on" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing impossibility or unsustainability. It indicates that a situation, action, or process is unable to continue, often due to inherent limitations or unsustainable conditions. As per Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot go on" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that conveys the unsustainability or impossibility of continuing a particular state or action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for a wide range of contexts, from news and media to scientific and formal business settings. While alternatives like "cannot continue" and "is unsustainable" exist, "cannot go on" carries a unique sense of urgency and finality. Remember to use it when you want to emphasize that a change is necessary because the current situation is simply no longer viable. Its versatility makes it a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot continue

Focuses on the cessation of an action or state without necessarily implying unsustainability.

cannot proceed

Emphasizes the inability to move forward, often due to obstacles or limitations.

is unsustainable

Highlights the long-term impossibility of maintaining a particular process or situation.

must come to an end

Indicates a necessary termination, often implying a definitive conclusion.

cannot be maintained

Stresses the inability to preserve or uphold a current condition or practice.

cannot endure

Emphasizes the inability of something to last or withstand ongoing pressures.

has to stop

A direct and simple expression indicating the need for cessation.

cannot last

Focuses on the limited duration of something.

is not viable

Highlights that something is not practical or feasible.

can't keep going

Expresses personal exhaustion or the impossibility of continuing an activity.

FAQs

How can I use "cannot go on" in a sentence?

Use "cannot go on" to indicate that a situation, process, or activity is unsustainable or impossible to continue. For example: "The company's losses are mounting; this situation "cannot go on"."

What are some alternatives to "cannot go on"?

You can use alternatives like "cannot continue", "is unsustainable", or "must come to an end" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "cannot go on" and "cannot continue"?

"Cannot go on" often implies a deeper issue of sustainability or fundamental impossibility, whereas "cannot continue" simply means that an action or process must stop, without necessarily implying long-term unsustainability.

Is it more formal to say "cannot go on" or "can't go on"?

"Cannot go on" is slightly more formal than "can't go on". Use "cannot go on" in formal writing or professional contexts, and "can't go on" in more casual conversations or informal writing.