cannot work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot work" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express an inability to perform a task or function, often in a technical or personal context. Example: "Due to a software glitch, the application cannot work as intended."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This cannot work.

The New York Times

"They cannot work".

The New York Times

Cameron's strategy therefore cannot work.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We cannot work for free".

The New York Times

So she cannot work here.

Independent

"We cannot work together".

The Guardian - Sport

Ms. Prexl cannot work.

The New York Times

It simply cannot work.

The Guardian - Music

You cannot work here with that attitude.

The New York Times

ReprintsBut such methods cannot work for ever.

The Economist

But we cannot work in this way".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process or system failure, use "cannot work" to clearly communicate the inability to function as intended.

Common error

While "cannot work" is acceptable in most situations, avoid using it in highly formal or technical writing where more precise language like "is inoperable" or "fails to meet specifications" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot work" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing an inability or impossibility. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's a common construction used to indicate something is not functional. Examples from Ludwig show it used in various contexts, from technical malfunctions to strategic failures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot work" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey an inability to function or a lack of feasibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. While prevalent in news, media, and scientific contexts, it's crucial to consider the specific register and choose more precise alternatives for highly formal or technical writing. Remember to avoid overuse and be mindful of the implied meaning when using "cannot work" to ensure clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

does not work

A more direct and simple way of stating that something is not functioning correctly or achieving its purpose.

unable to function

Replaces "cannot" with "unable", offering a slightly more formal tone, but maintaining the core meaning of being incapable of functioning.

is not possible

States the impossibility directly, emphasizing that something is beyond the realm of possibility.

cannot be done

Highlights the impossibility of performing an action or task, focusing on the action itself.

will not succeed

Focuses on the lack of success rather than the inability to work, implying a failure in achieving a desired outcome.

is not feasible

Shifts the emphasis to the impracticality of something, suggesting that it's not viable or realistic.

is ineffective

Focuses on the lack of effectiveness or usefulness, implying that it doesn't produce the desired results.

will not operate

Emphasizes the failure of a system, machine, or process to operate as intended.

is bound to fail

Predicts a certain failure, indicating a strong likelihood of not working or succeeding.

is doomed to failure

Suggests an inevitable failure with no hope of success.

FAQs

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

You can use "cannot work" to describe a situation where something is unable to function or be effective. For example, "This device "cannot work" without a power source."

What are some alternatives to saying "cannot work"?

Alternatives include "does not work", "is not feasible", or "is inoperable", depending on the specific context.

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

"Cannot work" is suitable for general use. However, in formal or technical contexts, consider alternatives like "unable to function" or "will not succeed" for added precision.

What's the difference between "cannot work" and "does not work"?

While similar, "cannot work" often implies a fundamental inability, whereas "does not work" may suggest a temporary malfunction. Both can be used interchangeably in many contexts, but "cannot work" may convey a stronger sense of impossibility. In practice "does not work" is a more direct and simple way of stating that something is not functioning correctly.