cannot proceed

USAGE SUMMARY

'cannot proceed' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to indicate something cannot continue due to a limitation or obstacle. For example: "I cannot proceed with the project until the necessary parts arrive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Otherwise, the investigation cannot proceed".

The New York Times - Magazine

One cannot proceed effectively without the other.

The Guardian

They cannot proceed until the E.P.A. moves on the waiver.

The New York Times

There is heightened security; his visit cannot proceed.

The New York Times

An inquiry on this scale cannot proceed without confidence.

The Guardian - Opinion

Indeed, such mental operations cannot proceed consciously and sequentially.

The New York Times

Legally we cannot proceed; politically we cannot stop".

The Economist

But the project cannot proceed until more financing is obtained.

The New York Times

More than a dozen states have adopted California's standards but cannot proceed until California gets approval.

The New York Times

The supreme court has decided that so called "f cubed" claims cannot proceed in the US.

The Guardian

One certainly cannot proceed on the basis that the claims are valid – or even presumptively valid".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot proceed", clearly state the reason why the action is being halted to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The experiment cannot proceed due to a lack of funding".

Common error

Avoid using "cannot proceed" in overly passive constructions where the actor is unclear. Instead of "The investigation cannot proceed", specify who cannot proceed: "Investigators cannot proceed with the investigation" to maintain clarity and directness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot proceed" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing an inability or prohibition to continue an action or process. According to Ludwig, it signifies that something is halted due to a limitation or obstacle, as seen in various examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

41%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cannot proceed" is a commonly used and grammatically correct modal verb phrase that indicates an inability to continue an action or process. According to Ludwig, this phrase is used when some limitation or obstacle has occurred, halting progress. It is most frequently found in news and media, and scientific contexts, with a neutral to professional register. When using the phrase, ensure the reason for the stoppage is clear. Alternatives such as "unable to continue" or "prevented from proceeding" can be used for variety. However, its usage can be made more precise by ensuring clarity of who is unable to proceed. Overall, this phrase is well-supported by authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unable to continue

Focuses on the lack of ability to keep going, emphasizing capability.

unable to move forward

Highlights the lack of progress, emphasizing movement.

prohibited from continuing

Emphasizes a formal ban or restriction, highlighting authority.

prevented from proceeding

Focuses on an external obstacle that stops progress, highlighting the cause of interruption.

cannot go ahead

A more informal alternative, implying a lack of permission or feasibility.

cannot carry on

Implies a temporary or permanent halt to an activity, suggesting endurance.

forced to stop

Highlights the compulsory nature of ceasing the activity, emphasizing obligation.

halted indefinitely

Indicates an unspecified duration of the stop, highlighting uncertainty.

brought to a standstill

Emphasizes a complete cessation of activity, highlighting the state of inactivity.

barred from advancement

Focuses on the prevention of progress in a career or project, highlighting restriction.

FAQs

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

Use "cannot proceed" to indicate that an action or process is unable to continue due to a specific reason or obstacle. For example, "We "cannot proceed" with the project until we receive approval".

What can I say instead of "cannot proceed"?

You can use alternatives like "unable to continue", "prevented from proceeding", or "cannot go ahead" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "cannot proceed" or "can't proceed"?

"Cannot proceed" and "can't proceed" are both grammatically correct. "Cannot proceed" is more formal, while "can't proceed" is a contraction and suitable for informal contexts.

What's the difference between "cannot proceed" and "unable to continue"?

While similar, "cannot proceed" often implies an external obstacle preventing continuation, while "unable to continue" can also refer to an internal lack of capability.