cannot say with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot say with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing uncertainty or inability to provide a definitive statement or opinion about something. Example: "I cannot say with certainty whether the event will take place next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The scientists cannot say with certainty now".

The New York Times

JODL: I cannot say with certainty.

Yale University

RAEDER: I cannot say with certainty.

Yale University

Experts cannot say with certainty which populations have been hit by the deaths.

The New York Times

"But so far we cannot say with any sort of certitude that there was another incident".

The New York Times

"We cannot say with precision how many customers were affected at this time".

The New York Times

We cannot say with any clarity what those decisions will be.

The Guardian

We cannot say with certainty whether Mr. Bush lied about Iraq.

The New York Times

Sensible people cannot say with any confidence what will happen next.

The Guardian

To what extent the Reich Foreign Minister personally remonstrated with the Fuehrer about the matter, I cannot say with certainty.

Yale University

He denies sending the photograph but tells MSNBC that he cannot "say with certitude" that it is not of him.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot say with" to clearly express uncertainty when definitive evidence or information is lacking. It adds a layer of professional honesty to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot say with" excessively, as it can weaken your arguments and make your writing seem indecisive. Ensure you balance expressions of uncertainty with confident assertions supported by available evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot say with" functions as a hedge, softening claims and expressing uncertainty. It is commonly used to indicate a lack of definitive knowledge or evidence. Ludwig AI confirms that it expresses uncertainty or inability to provide a definitive statement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

35%

Academia

29%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot say with" is a versatile expression used to convey uncertainty or a lack of definitive knowledge. It is grammatically correct and common across various contexts, as validated by Ludwig AI. While suitable for expressing honesty and caution, overuse can weaken arguments. Consider alternatives like "unable to confirm" or "it remains unclear" for nuanced communication. Its prevalence in news, science, and academic writing underscores its reliability in professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unable to confirm

Expresses an inability to verify or validate something definitively. It implies a lack of confirmation.

cannot assert with

Indicates that one cannot confidently declare or affirm something. It suggests a hesitancy in making a strong statement.

cannot be sure

Implies a lack of confidence in the accuracy or validity of something. It suggests a possibility of being wrong.

unable to determine

Implies that it's impossible to find out or establish something conclusively. It focuses on the lack of a clear answer.

it's uncertain

Directly states that something is not definite or known. It is a simple and straightforward expression of uncertainty.

difficult to ascertain

Highlights the challenge involved in discovering or establishing something. It stresses the complexity of finding the truth.

hard to know for sure

Indicates uncertainty and suggests that definitive knowledge is lacking. It is more informal.

it remains unclear

Indicates that something is still not well-defined or understood. It highlights the continuing lack of clarity.

cannot guarantee

Expresses an inability to provide assurance or certainty about a specific outcome. It emphasizes a lack of control over the result.

we don't know

A plain statement that knowledge is lacking. It's a direct and honest admission of uncertainty.

FAQs

How can I use "cannot say with" in a sentence?

The phrase "cannot say with" is used to express uncertainty or a lack of definitive knowledge about something. For example, "I "cannot say with certainty" whether the project will be completed on time".

What are some alternatives to "cannot say with"?

Alternatives include phrases like "unable to confirm", "cannot assert with", or "it remains unclear", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "cannot say with certainty" or "cannot say for certain"?

Both "cannot say with certainty" and "cannot say for certain" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference, though "cannot say with certainty" may sound slightly more formal.

When is it appropriate to use "cannot say with" in professional writing?

It's appropriate to use "cannot say with" in professional writing when you need to acknowledge uncertainty or a lack of definitive information. This demonstrates honesty and transparency, which can build trust with your audience.