cannot verify

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot verify" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something cannot be confirmed or validated. Example: "Due to a lack of evidence, we cannot verify the authenticity of the document."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We cannot verify this.

The Guardian

I cannot verify his identity.

The Guardian

We cannot verify these videos.

The Guardian

We cannot verify the footage.

The Guardian

We cannot certify what we cannot verify.

The New York Times

"I cannot verify that the child made the association".

The New York Times

We have contacted him for comment but cannot verify the tweets at present.

The Guardian

Guardian Australia cannot verify whether the woman in the video is Sheehan's source.

The Guardian

We are simply unable to publish stories that we cannot verify without the necessary evidence.

The Guardian

"Whether archaeologists can or cannot verify is a separate question on a different level".

The New York Times

A DWP spokeswoman said: "We don't comment on leaked data which we cannot verify.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot verify", specify the reason for the lack of verification. This adds credibility and transparency to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot verify" as a way to completely dismiss information. Instead, acknowledge the uncertainty while still considering the possibility that the information might be true.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot verify" functions as a declarative statement expressing an inability to confirm or validate information. It indicates a lack of sufficient evidence or means to prove the accuracy or truthfulness of something. Ludwig AI examples show its use in news reports, scientific studies, and general statements of uncertainty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot verify" is a common and grammatically sound way to express an inability to confirm information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used across diverse contexts, including news, science, and formal communications. While semantically similar alternatives like "unable to confirm" or "cannot validate" exist, the core meaning remains consistent. It is crucial to use "cannot verify" responsibly, providing context for the uncertainty and avoiding overstatements. The frequency analysis highlights its prevalence in news and scientific reporting, reflecting the need for cautious and transparent language in these domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot confirm

Shortens the phrase by removing "verify", focusing on confirmation.

unable to confirm

Replaces "cannot" with "unable", offering a slightly more formal tone.

cannot validate

Substitutes "verify" with "validate", highlighting a lack of formal approval.

impossible to verify

Emphasizes the difficulty in confirming the information.

cannot prove

Emphasizes the lack of conclusive evidence.

unable to authenticate

Focuses on the inability to prove genuineness.

cannot substantiate

Highlights the absence of supporting evidence.

cannot determine

Indicates an inability to establish something definitively.

cannot ascertain

Focuses on the difficulty in finding something out for certain.

cannot guarantee

Highlights the lack of assurance about the truth or accuracy.

FAQs

What does "cannot verify" mean?

The phrase "cannot verify" means that something cannot be confirmed or proven to be true or accurate due to a lack of evidence or reliable sources.

What can I say instead of "cannot verify"?

You can use alternatives like "unable to confirm", "cannot confirm", or "impossible to verify" depending on the context.

How to use "cannot verify" in a sentence?

Use "cannot verify" when you want to express that you lack sufficient evidence or information to confirm the accuracy or truthfulness of something. For example: "We cannot verify the source of the information."

Is it better to say "cannot verify" or "could not verify"?

Both "cannot verify" and "could not verify" are grammatically correct, but "cannot verify" generally refers to a current inability to confirm something, while "could not verify" refers to a past inability.