could not be released

USAGE SUMMARY

"could not be released" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrasing when talking that something did not happen or could not happen. For example, "The prisoner could not be released until his parole hearing was over."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Mr Paulson said it could not be released yet.

Independent

He said some material could not be released immediately because it contained information about investigations.

The New York Times

Details of the death could not be released because of patient privacy laws.

The New York Times

"The FOI decision documents explain why some information could not be released".

The Guardian

He added that the suspect's name could not be released because he was a minor.

The New York Times

This meant that he could not be released for another three years.

The Guardian

When a negative potential was applied in the absence of a redox mediator apododecin could not be released, i.e. direct electron transfer was not possible.

Electrochimica Acta

He could not be released because he had never learned the skills he needed to survive in the wild.

The New York Times

Six animals shipped over from Norway in the first batch died in quarantine or could not be released.

The Guardian

Mr Carpenter had earlier told the court that police had not yet verified the men's addresses and that therefore they could not be released on bail.

Independent

The Pentagon's report is scheduled to be completed by Dec. 1, but we see no good reason why it could not be released almost immediately.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could not be released", ensure the context clearly indicates why something was not or could not be made available. Specify the reason for the restriction to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "could not be released" excessively in contexts where an active voice would be more direct and impactful. For instance, instead of "the information could not be released", consider "authorities withheld the information" for a more assertive tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could not be released" functions as a passive construction indicating the inability or prevention of someone or something from being freed or made public. This is supported by Ludwig's examples showing varied reasons for non-release.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

42%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could not be released" is a common and grammatically correct construction used to indicate the inability or prevention of something from being made available or freed. As Ludwig AI indicates, it appears most frequently in news and scientific contexts, conveying reasons for withholding information or individuals. To improve your writing, ensure clarity by specifying the reasons behind the non-release. While this phrase is suitable for neutral registers, avoid overuse of passive voice to maintain a direct and impactful tone in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could not be disclosed

Focuses specifically on the inability to reveal information.

could not be revealed

Highlights the concealment of information, making it impossible to make something publicly known.

could not be published

Emphasizes the prevention of information or material from being formally issued to the public.

could not be liberated

Highlights the condition of being held against one's will.

could not be freed

Focuses on the inability to set someone or something free from confinement or restraint.

was prohibited from release

Indicates a formal ban or restriction on making something available.

was not permitted to be released

Highlights the lack of authorization for something to be made available.

was prevented from being released

Emphasizes the act of stopping something from being released.

was withheld from release

Focuses on the deliberate holding back of something from being made available.

remained unreleased

Highlights the state of something not having been made available.

FAQs

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

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "could not be disclosed" or "was prohibited from release", depending on the specific context.

What are some common reasons why something "could not be released"?

Common reasons include legal restrictions, privacy concerns, ongoing investigations, or strategic considerations that prevent information or individuals from being made available or set free.

Is "could not be released" the same as "was not released"?

While similar, "could not be released" often implies an inability or restriction preventing the release, whereas "was not released" simply states that the release did not occur, without necessarily explaining why.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "could not be released" in a sentence?

Use "could not be released" when you want to emphasize that there was a constraint, barrier, or regulation preventing something from being disclosed, published, or set free.