cannot test

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot test" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating an inability to perform a test or assessment, often in technical or scientific contexts. Example: "Due to the lack of necessary equipment, we cannot test the hypothesis at this time."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We cannot test everything today.

The New York Times - Sports

Valentine cannot test the market until tomorrow.

The New York Times - Sports

"We cannot test humans for rabies," she said.

The New York Times

Authorities doing spot checks of vending areas cannot test for the DNA itself, Mr. Outwater said.

The New York Times - Tech

But the Rangers cannot test for their most important ingredient — chemistry.

The New York Times - Sports

Is it okay to make a prediction that we cannot test?

The Guardian

Many shoppers are reluctant to buy makeup they cannot test before buying.

The New York Times - Tech

At the merely mechanical level, computer experts in a large jurisdiction cannot test punch-card systems for every voting possibility.

The New Yorker

As always in economics, we cannot test the counterfactual; what would have happened with 2% rates and no QE.

The Economist

But in the absence of a specific direction, the possibilities are as limitless as a killer's imagination… and we cannot test for that".

The Guardian

The first is a matter of legal judgment, with the difficulty for the police and prosecutors that they cannot test a victim's account by live questioning.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot test", ensure that the reason for the inability to test is clear to the reader. Providing context enhances understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot test" when "should not test" or "choose not to test" is more accurate. "Cannot" implies a true inability, not just a preference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot test" functions as a declarative statement expressing an inability or impossibility to perform a test or experiment. It's a direct way of indicating a limitation, as supported by Ludwig AI's analysis and examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot test" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to denote an inability or impossibility to conduct a test or verification. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly used in scientific, news, and formal business contexts. While "cannot test" is generally neutral in register, it leans toward formal usage, especially in academic or technical writing. When using this phrase, clarity is key: ensure you provide sufficient context to explain the reason for the inability. Related phrases like "unable to test" or "testing is not possible" can be used for variety or to adjust the tone. Avoid using "cannot test" when "should not test" or "choose not to test" is more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unable to test

Replaces "cannot" with its direct synonym "unable".

not able to test

Uses a slightly more verbose phrasing to express the same inability.

impossible to test

Emphasizes the impossibility of conducting the test.

testing is not possible

Shifts the focus to the action of testing itself being unfeasible.

we lack the means to test

Highlights the absence of resources or capabilities required for testing.

testing is unfeasible

Indicates that testing is impractical or not realistically achievable.

verification is not possible

Focuses on the inability to verify something, rather than specifically test it.

it is beyond our ability to test

Highlights the limitations of one's capabilities in performing the test.

there's no way to test

An informal way of expressing the impossibility of testing.

testing is precluded

Suggests that testing is formally prevented or blocked.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "cannot test" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "unable to test" or "testing is not feasible at this time".

What does "cannot test" imply in a scientific context?

In science, "cannot test" often means that there's a limitation in the methodology, available technology, or resources that prevents a hypothesis from being tested.

Is there a difference between "cannot test" and "should not test"?

Yes, "cannot test" implies an inability to perform a test, while "should not test" suggests that testing is possible but inadvisable, perhaps for ethical or practical reasons. Use "should not test" when the action is not recommended, not impossible.

When is it appropriate to use "cannot test" in writing?

Use "cannot test" when you want to clearly state that a particular experiment, hypothesis, or feature is impossible to evaluate or verify given the current circumstances or constraints.