could not be achieved

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could not be achieved" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that a certain goal or outcome was not possible to reach or accomplish. Example: "Despite our best efforts, the desired results could not be achieved within the given timeframe."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, synthesis could not be achieved in the absence of the catalyst.

Journal of Nanostructure in Chemistry

This unity simply could not be achieved.

Britannica

The same effect could not be achieved by oral dosing.

Stanford University

However, unambiguous modelling into this density could not be achieved.

Nature

Millennial perfection could not be achieved in this world.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Acellular dermal matrix was placed when prosthetic coverage with autologous tissue could not be achieved.

Princeton University

Given the way Enron structured the Raptors, even the accounting goal could not be achieved legitimately.

The New York Times

In effect the right was saying unity could not be achieved with Mr Heseltine.

The Guardian

The introduction of special dsRNAs into plant parasitic nematodes could not be achieved consistently using microinjection26.

Nature

Although many patterning technologies were developed, extremely high resolution and printing yields could not be achieved.

Nature

However, optimum structural properties could not be achieved using embedded GFRP as the innermost layer.

Composite Structures

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could not be achieved", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific goal or outcome was unattainable. Avoid ambiguity by explicitly stating what "it" refers to.

Common error

Avoid using "could not be achieved" without a clear antecedent. For example, instead of saying "The goal could not be achieved", specify what goal you are referring to: "The goal of reducing emissions by 50% could not be achieved".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could not be achieved" functions as a passive construction indicating that a particular goal, objective, or outcome was unattainable or impossible to realize. It highlights the inability to reach a desired result, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

51%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Academia

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could not be achieved" is a commonly used phrase to express the impossibility of reaching a specific goal or outcome. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across diverse contexts, including scientific research, news reporting, and formal business communications. While the phrase is generally clear, it's best practice to ensure a specific antecedent to avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives like "was unachievable" or "proved impossible" to adjust the tone or emphasis as needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was unachievable

Replaces the modal verb construction with a simple adjective, making it more concise.

proved impossible

Uses a different verb to describe the failure, highlighting the impossibility of the task.

was not possible

Simplifies the phrase using "possible" instead of "achieved", maintaining a similar level of formality.

remained unattainable

Emphasizes the continued impossibility of reaching the goal.

fell short of expectations

Focuses on the discrepancy between the actual outcome and the desired result.

did not come to fruition

Uses a more figurative expression to convey the failure to materialize.

failed to materialize

Similar to "did not come to fruition" but with a slightly different emphasis.

was beyond reach

Uses a spatial metaphor to describe the impossibility of achieving the goal.

met with failure

Highlights the unsuccessful outcome of the attempt.

was unrealizable

A more formal synonym emphasizing the impracticality of the goal.

FAQs

How can I use "could not be achieved" in a sentence?

Use "could not be achieved" to indicate that a particular goal or outcome was impossible to reach or accomplish. For example: "Despite our efforts, the desired result "could not be achieved"".

What are some alternatives to "could not be achieved"?

You can use phrases like "was unachievable", "proved impossible", or "was not possible" as alternatives to "could not be achieved", depending on the context.

Is it better to use "could not be achieved" or "was not achieved"?

"Could not be achieved" implies a lack of possibility or capability, whereas "was not achieved" simply states that something did not happen. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the impossibility or just the lack of accomplishment. They have a subtly different meaning, and are not 100% interchangeable. It is more adequate "was not achieved" when there are no known conditions.

What is the difference between "could not be achieved" and "could not have been achieved"?

"Could not be achieved" indicates a present or future inability, while "could not have been achieved" refers to a past inability. For instance, "The target "could not be achieved"" means it is currently impossible, whereas "The target "could not have been achieved"" means it was impossible in the past.