it cannot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it cannot" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express impossibility or inability in various contexts. Example: "Given the current circumstances, it cannot be done."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It cannot.

The New York Times

It cannot get better.

Independent

It cannot, of course.

The New York Times - Arts

It cannot exist.

The New Yorker

It cannot be industrialized.

The New York Times

It cannot be changed".

The New York Times - Magazine

It cannot be.

The New York Times

It cannot be avoided.

The New Yorker

It cannot be stopped.

The New York Times - Magazine

It cannot race.

The New York Times - Sports

It cannot be taught.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it cannot" to clearly and directly express impossibility or inability in situations where a more forceful statement is appropriate. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding language.

Common error

While "it cannot" is acceptable in most contexts, overuse of contractions can make your writing appear less formal. In highly formal documents, consider using "it is not possible" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it cannot" serves as a negative assertion, indicating impossibility or lack of ability. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples where the phrase is used to deny the possibility of an action or state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it cannot" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for indicating impossibility or inability. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely employed across various contexts, from formal writing to everyday conversation. While synonyms like "it is not possible" exist, "it cannot" offers a blend of directness and accessibility. When writing, remember that while generally acceptable, overuse of contractions may lessen the formality of a piece. Ludwig’s analysis also showed that its use spans various registers, although is most common in news, science, and business.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is not possible

Replaces the contraction with a more formal expression of impossibility.

it is impossible

Emphasizes the absolute impossibility of something.

that is not an option

Indicates that something is not a viable choice or alternative.

it is out of the question

Highlights that something is completely unacceptable or not to be considered.

it's unfeasible

Suggests that something is not practical or realistic.

it's not viable

Indicates that something is not capable of working successfully.

it's beyond the realm of possibility

A more emphatic way of saying something is impossible.

it's simply not doable

Informal way to express that something is not able to be done.

that's not feasible

Synonymous with 'unfeasible', but perhaps slightly less formal.

that's unachievable

Highlights the impossibility of reaching a particular goal or outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "it cannot" in a sentence?

Use "it cannot" to express that something is impossible or unable to happen. For example, "Given the circumstances, "it cannot be done"" or "It cannot continue like this".

What can I say instead of "it cannot"?

Alternatives include "it is not possible", "it is impossible", or "that is not an option", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "it cannot" versus "it is not possible"?

"It cannot" is suitable for most situations, offering a balance between formality and directness. "It is not possible" might be preferred in highly formal writing where contractions are discouraged.

Is "it can not" ever correct instead of "it cannot"?

While technically "it can not" could be used to emphasize the 'can' as in 'it is not able to', "it cannot" is the standard and generally preferred form. Using "it can not" is usually perceived as an error.