could not be confirmed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could not be confirmed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something has not been verified or validated. Example: "The details of the incident could not be confirmed by the authorities at this time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Those claims could not be confirmed.

The New York Times

The casualty reports could not be confirmed.

The New York Times

The report could not be confirmed.

The New York Times

But that report could not be confirmed.

The New York Times

The accounts could not be confirmed.

The New York Times

Those reports could not be confirmed.

The New York Times

That number could not be confirmed.

The New York Times

But the accusations could not be confirmed.

The New York Times

The death toll could not be confirmed.

The New York Times

Her account could not be confirmed.

The New York Times

That report could not be confirmed independently.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting information that "could not be confirmed", clearly state the source of the unconfirmed information to maintain transparency and avoid spreading misinformation.

Common error

Avoid presenting information that "could not be confirmed" as factual or definitive. Use cautious language and clearly indicate the uncertainty surrounding the information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could not be confirmed" functions as a qualifier, indicating that certain information or reports lack validation or verification. It's commonly used to express uncertainty or a lack of definitive proof. As Ludwig AI states, this usage is correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could not be confirmed" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to indicate that a piece of information lacks verification. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for use in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, serving to convey uncertainty or a lack of definitive proof. When using the phrase, transparency regarding the source of unconfirmed information is crucial. Alternatives like "remained unverified" or "was not verified" can be used depending on the specific nuance required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could not be verified independently

This emphasizes that verification efforts from independent sources were unsuccessful.

information was unconfirmed

This is a more succinct way of stating that the information hasn't undergone confirmation.

no confirmation was available

This highlights the absence of any confirming information.

was not verified

This alternative is a more direct and concise way of saying that the information hasn't been proven true.

remained unverified

This alternative focuses on the lack of verification, emphasizing that the information's status is still uncertain.

was not substantiated

Similar to "remained unsubstantiated", this indicates a lack of evidence to support a claim.

remained unsubstantiated

This suggests that the claim lacks evidence or support, making it difficult to accept as fact.

the authenticity was not established

This alternative directly addresses the question of genuineness.

details remained unclear

This focuses on the ambiguity and lack of clarity surrounding the specifics of a situation.

evidence was lacking

This points out that there was a scarcity of evidence.

FAQs

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

You can use "could not be confirmed" to indicate that a piece of information lacks verification, like: "The initial reports of casualties "could not be confirmed" by independent sources."

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

Alternatives include "remained unverified", "was not verified", or "remained unsubstantiated", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "could not be confirmed" in formal writing?

Yes, "could not be confirmed" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in news reports, academic papers, and professional communications, when indicating uncertainty about information.

What does it mean when a report "could not be confirmed independently"?

It means that while some reports exist, there's no verification of those reports from a separate, unbiased source. Independent confirmation strengthens the credibility of information.