cannot perform

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot perform" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating an inability to carry out a specific action or task. Example: "The system cannot perform the requested operation due to insufficient resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"We cannot perform miracles," Mr. Riedel says.

The New York Times - Food

Sufi clerics cannot perform their rituals.

The New York Times

That shows that many people cannot perform elementary school arithmetic.

The New York Times

"Further, we believe IBP cannot perform under the merger agreement".

The New York Times

He is mildly retarded and cannot perform basic arithmetic.

The New York Times

You cannot perform theater behind a wall of glass".

The New York Times

If we cannot perform, these supporters can become our opponents.

The New Yorker

Do not expect miracles your plants cannot perform.

Independent

You cannot perform optimally if you are ill, stressed or unhappy.

The Guardian

His clinic has no laboratory, so he cannot perform blood tests.

The New York Times

The assumption that private parties cannot perform security functions is off base.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing limitations, use "cannot perform" to clearly state an inability to execute a specific action or task. For a more formal tone, consider "unable to execute".

Common error

While "cannot perform" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "can't do" or "unable to" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot perform" primarily functions as a negative verb phrase, indicating the inability to execute or complete an action. As Ludwig AI shows, it's used across various contexts to denote a lack of capability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

33%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cannot perform" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that indicates the inability to carry out a specific action or task. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears most often in news, science, and wiki contexts, signaling a neutral to professional register. While it's a versatile phrase, remember to consider simpler alternatives for casual conversations and to distinguish it from "will not perform", which indicates refusal rather than inability. The most authoritative sources using this phrase include The New York Times, The Guardian, and Huffington Post. Understanding these nuances ensures effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unable to execute

Replaces "perform" with "execute", suggesting a more technical or formal tone.

incapable of carrying out

Emphasizes a lack of capability rather than just the act of performing.

not able to fulfill

Focuses on the inability to complete or satisfy a requirement.

cannot accomplish

Highlights the inability to achieve a specific goal or result.

cannot achieve

Similar to "cannot accomplish", but with a slightly broader application.

unable to complete

Focuses specifically on the failure to finish a task or process.

cannot undertake

Implies an inability to begin or take on a responsibility.

unable to manage

Highlights an inability to handle or control a situation or task.

not in a position to

Indicates that external circumstances prevent performance.

cannot deliver

Focuses on an inability to produce a promised or expected outcome.

FAQs

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

Use "cannot perform" to express an inability to complete a specific action or task. For example, "The system "cannot perform" the requested operation due to insufficient memory."

What are some alternatives to saying "cannot perform"?

Alternatives include "unable to execute", "incapable of carrying out", or "not able to fulfill", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality. You could also use phrases like "cannot accomplish" or "unable to complete".

Is it more formal to say "cannot perform" or "can't do"?

"Cannot perform" is more formal than "can't do". Use "cannot perform" in professional or academic writing and "can't do" in casual conversation.

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

"Cannot perform" indicates an inability to do something, while "will not perform" indicates a refusal to do something. The former implies a lack of capability, while the latter implies a choice.