could not be contained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could not be contained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or feeling that is too intense or powerful to be held back or restrained. Example: "The excitement in the room was so overwhelming that it could not be contained, spilling over into laughter and cheers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But the contagion could not be contained.

The New York Times - Science

Anfield could not be contained.

The Guardian - Sport

The celebration could not be contained.

The New York Times - Sports

Amidst the grief, their anger could not be contained.

The Guardian

It could not be contained into one thing.

The New York Times

Many fighters, all over Darfur, could not be contained.

The New York Times

He was the one player who could not be contained".

The New York Times - Sports

But Nowitzki could not be contained down the stretch.

The New York Times - Sports

Still, some of the Giants' enthusiasm could not be contained.

The New York Times - Sports

The sheer intensity of Celtic could not be contained.

Independent

But his interest in politics could not be contained.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could not be contained" to emphasize the overwhelming nature of something, whether it's an emotion, a physical force, or an idea. This phrase conveys a sense of power and inevitability.

Common error

Avoid using "could not be contained" for trivial matters. This phrase is best reserved for situations where there is a genuine sense of something being too powerful to control, not for everyday occurrences that are simply slightly inconvenient.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could not be contained" functions as a descriptive predicate, indicating the inability to restrain something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It often describes emotions, forces, or ideas that are overwhelming.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "could not be contained" is a versatile and commonly used expression that signifies the inability to restrain or control something. Ludwig AI confirms it's correct use, suggesting that it effectively conveys intensity and inevitability. It appears frequently in news and media, but also in scientific and encyclopedic contexts. Alternatives include "could not be restrained" and "was beyond control". When using "could not be contained", remember to reserve it for situations where the subject truly exhibits an overwhelming nature, avoiding its overuse in trivial contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could not be restrained

Focuses on the act of restraining as being impossible.

could not be held back

Emphasizes the inability to prevent forward movement or progress.

could not be suppressed

Highlights the failure to keep something from being expressed or known.

could not be controlled

Stresses the lack of ability to govern or direct something.

was beyond control

Indicates a state of being uncontrollable.

exceeded all limits

Emphasizes that something has surpassed established boundaries.

was impossible to stop

Focuses on the futility of attempting to halt an action or process.

broke free

Suggests a liberation from confinement or restriction.

knew no bounds

Indicates a lack of limitations or restrictions.

was unmanageable

Highlights the difficulty in handling or dealing with something.

FAQs

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

Use "could not be contained" to describe something that is too powerful or intense to be restrained or controlled. For example, "The excitement in the stadium "could not be contained" when the team scored the winning goal."

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

Alternatives include "could not be restrained", "could not be held back", or "was beyond control", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "couldn't be contained"?

Yes, "couldn't be contained" is a perfectly acceptable contraction of "could not be contained" and carries the same meaning.

What does "could not be contained" imply about the subject?

It implies that the subject possesses a level of intensity, power, or expansiveness that makes it impossible to limit or control. This could apply to emotions, physical forces, ideas, or even people.