could not be used

USAGE SUMMARY

"could not be used" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that can't be used or has been rendered unusable. Example: The abandoned building had been neglected for so long that it could not be used anymore.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Not useful" means they could not be used by newspaper.

The New York Times

Existing funds could not be used for Sarajevo.

The Economist

But he complained that some of that key evidence could not be used in court.

The New York Times

Machines that blew hot air could not be used because they could damage the court.

The New York Times - Sports

"It cost a lot... but the traffic information was not correct so could not be used".

The Guardian

Those drugs could not be used, however, until they received emergency use authorizations from the F.D.A.

The New York Times

And that means the money could not be used to increase dividends or buy back stock.

The New York Times

The week before the inspection, the theatres could not be used because of a ventilation failure.

The Guardian

He added that treatment options could not be used because of her autism and self-harming.

The Guardian

The police could not be used indefinitely on such a large scale, she said.

The New York Times

Also, any positive results could not be used to possibly sanction an athlete.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could not be used", ensure the reason for its unsuitability is clear from the context or explicitly stated to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "could not be used" excessively, as it can make your writing sound passive. Consider rephrasing to emphasize the agent that prevented its use: "The system's limitations meant we couldn't use it" instead of "It could not be used due to system limitations".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could not be used" functions as a passive construction indicating that something was impossible or inappropriate to utilize. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage. It denotes a lack of usability due to various reasons, as showcased in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

54%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

3%

Science & Research

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could not be used" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase to express the unavailability or unsuitability of something for a particular purpose. Ludwig AI confirms its versatility and correctness. It appears across diverse contexts, from news reports to scientific publications. To enhance clarity, always specify the reason behind the inability to use something. While commonly used, watch out for overusing the passive voice. Consider active alternatives to create a more dynamic writing style. The phrase is versatile but clarity and context are key to its effective employment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was unable to be used

Changes "could not" to "was unable to", which is a more formal way of expressing inability.

was not available for use

Indicates that something was inaccessible or not ready to be used.

was not suitable for use

Replaces the modal verb with an adjective phrase describing the unsuitability.

was rendered unusable

Emphasizes that something has been made unfit for use, often due to damage or alteration.

was impractical to use

Focuses on the impracticality of using something, rather than its impossibility.

was prohibited from being used

Specifies that there was an explicit ban or restriction on using something.

was not designed for this purpose

Explains that something was not intended for a specific application.

was out of commission

Suggests a temporary or permanent state of being non-operational.

was not permitted for use

Similar to "prohibited", but can also imply a lack of official authorization.

could not be implemented

Highlights the inability to put something into effect or action.

FAQs

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

"Could not be used" indicates that something was impossible or inappropriate to use in a particular situation. For example, "The damaged equipment "could not be used" for the experiment".

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

Alternatives include "was unable to be used", "was not suitable for use", or "was impractical to use". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "could not be used" or "cannot be used"?

"Could not be used" generally refers to a past situation, while "cannot be used" refers to a present or future situation. For example, "The old software "could not be used" on the new system," versus "This type of data "cannot be used" in the analysis".

What is the difference between "could not be used" and "should not be used"?

"Could not be used" implies an inability or impossibility, while "should not be used" suggests a recommendation against use, often for ethical or practical reasons. The first is about capacity, the second about advisability.