cannot work together

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot work together" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that two or more entities are unable to collaborate or function in unison due to incompatibility or conflict. Example: "Due to our differing priorities, it seems we cannot work together on this project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

"We cannot work together".

The Guardian - Sport

It is clear that we cannot work together.

The New York Times

Judy Dempsey on why NATO and the E.U. cannot work together.

The New York Times

Without having knowledge about current problems, we cannot work together to solve them.

The Washington Post

And if we cannot work together more effectively, we will all suffer the consequences.

The New York Times

"What is really disappointing is that two parts of the NHS cannot work together," said Bendixson.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Even so, people cannot really work together over the public Internet.

The Economist

"Just when you think 'No, no, those cannot possibly work together,' you walk into the finished room and your jaw drops".

The New York Times

"until gay men recognise that lesbians suffer the double bind of sexism and anti-lesbianism, and that the two operate together like a pernicious form of social control, we cannot effectively work together in a way that will benefit both groups equally". The text is peppered with quotes like this -- uncompromising and rabble-rousing, but convincingly argued.

HuffPost

It is a pity that we cannot continue to work together".

The New York Times

We are disillusioned and frustrated that our leaders cannot seem to work together to offer a comprehensive action plan.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "cannot work together", ensure that the reason for the inability to collaborate is clear to the reader. Providing context will make your statement more impactful and understandable.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot work together" when the situation is temporary or has the potential to change. Using softer language, such as "are currently unable to work together", can be more accurate and less definitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot work together" functions as a declarative statement expressing the inability of two or more entities to collaborate effectively. Ludwig AI provides examples across various contexts, showing its versatility. It is used to describe situations in politics, personal relationships, and professional settings.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot work together" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe the inability of entities to collaborate, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its usage spans across news, scientific, and business contexts, although it maintains a neutral register. While alternative phrases like "unable to collaborate" or "incompatible partners" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. When using "cannot work together", ensure you provide sufficient context for clarity and avoid overstating the permanence of the situation. The examples provided by Ludwig illustrate its practical application in various scenarios, highlighting its versatility and relevance in contemporary English communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unable to collaborate

Focuses on the lack of ability to collaborate, highlighting capability rather than willingness.

incapable of cooperating

Emphasizes the lack of capacity for cooperative action.

incompatible partners

Highlights fundamental differences that prevent successful partnership.

at odds with each other

Suggests a state of conflict or disagreement that hinders collaboration.

not on the same page

Indicates a lack of shared understanding or agreement.

unable to find common ground

Highlights the failure to discover shared interests or beliefs that could facilitate cooperation.

unable to reconcile differences

Focuses on the inability to resolve conflicts or disagreements.

working at cross purposes

Emphasizes conflicting goals or objectives that undermine collaboration.

locked in conflict

Highlights an ongoing state of disagreement and competition, preventing collaboration.

irreconcilably divided

Indicates a deep and unresolvable division that prevents any possibility of collaboration.

FAQs

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

You can use "cannot work together" to describe situations where individuals, teams, or organizations are unable to collaborate effectively. For example: "Due to conflicting goals, the two departments "cannot work together" on this project."

What are some alternatives to "cannot work together"?

Some alternatives include "unable to collaborate", "incapable of cooperating", or "incompatible partners". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What does it mean when people "cannot work together"?

When people "cannot work together", it implies that there are significant obstacles preventing them from collaborating effectively. This could be due to disagreements, conflicting goals, lack of trust, or other factors.

Is it better to say "cannot work together" or "are not working together"?

"Cannot work together" suggests a fundamental inability to collaborate, while "are not working together" implies a current lack of collaboration that may be temporary. The appropriate phrase depends on the specific situation.