could not be deployed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could not be deployed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something, such as a plan, resource, or software, is unable to be put into action or utilized. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, the new software update could not be deployed on schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

A court earlier this week ruled that the military could not be deployed during the election.

The Guardian

The plane, the report concluded, could not be deployed overseas without special climate-controlled shelters.

The New York Times

Nineteen of them manned the county jail and could not be deployed elsewhere.

The New York Times - Magazine

I became a farrier so that I could not be deployed back.

The Guardian

Since 2002 they have been used by police to stop fleeing vehicles or in cases where Taser guns could not be deployed.

The Guardian

But such forces could not be deployed until aerial bombing had created a more or less safe environment in which American boots in substantial numbers could hit the ground.Early on Monday, November 26th, it seemed that those conditions were finally met.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

"There have been occasions where dogs couldn't be deployed because they would have been at risk of injuring their paws.

The Guardian

He has not been deployed overseas, the authorities said.

The New York Times

This could prove to be an unfortunate historical lesson, for, as things stand, there is no guarantee that they won't be deployed.

The New Yorker

Two carrier strike groups won't be deployed as planned.

The New York Times

This point could now be deployed against the Empiricist.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could not be deployed", ensure the context clearly indicates the reason for the inability to deploy. Providing a specific reason strengthens the statement.

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive constructions like "could not be deployed" when an active voice would provide a clearer and more direct statement. For example, instead of "The troops could not be deployed", consider "The general decided not to deploy the troops".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could not be deployed" functions as a modal verb phrase, indicating the inability or impossibility of deploying something. As Ludwig highlights, it expresses that a resource, personnel, or technology could not be put into action or service due to certain constraints or limitations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could not be deployed" is a versatile phrase indicating the inability or impossibility of deploying something, whether it's troops, technology, or resources. Ludwig confirms it is grammatically sound and suitable for diverse contexts, though awareness of voice, and more direct language, is important to strengthen the meaning. It is commonly found in news and scientific articles. Therefore, it is a good option to indicate situations where some resources or actions are impossible to be used in a specific scenario.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could not be activated

A simpler construction focusing on the inability to activate.

was unable to be utilized

Replaces "deployed" with a more formal synonym, emphasizing the lack of ability to use something.

was not suitable for use

Highlights that something is not appropriate for a specific purpose.

was incapable of being implemented

Focuses on the lack of capability for implementation.

was impractical to implement

Highlights the impracticality of putting something into effect.

was not feasible for activation

Highlights the impracticality of activating or using something.

was restricted from deployment

Suggests an imposed restriction on using something.

was prevented from being used

Emphasizes an external force preventing the use.

was unfit for service

Indicates a lack of suitability for a specific purpose.

was not ready for action

Focuses on the lack of preparedness or readiness.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "could not be deployed" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you can use phrases like "was unable to be utilized" or "was incapable of being implemented" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "could not be deployed" and "was not deployed"?

"Could not be deployed" suggests an inability or restriction preventing deployment, while "was not deployed" simply states that deployment did not occur, without specifying the reason. The former implies a constraint, while the latter is a statement of fact.

What does it mean when something "could not be deployed"?

It means that, for some reason, something – whether it's troops, software, or resources – was not able to be put into action or used. This could be due to technical issues, strategic decisions, legal restrictions, or other constraints.

What are some alternatives to "could not be deployed" in a technical context?

In a technical context, you might use alternatives like "could not be implemented", "could not be integrated", or "could not be launched", depending on the specific situation.