it cannot be delivered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it cannot be delivered" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that cannot be sent, conveyed, or provided, such as a message, package, or service. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, the package cannot be delivered to your address."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

(The rest of its supply of antibiotics is in bulk form, not prepackaged, so it cannot be delivered until 24 to 36 hours after the request).

The New York Times

(The rest of its supply of antibiotics is in bulk form, not prepackaged, so it cannot be delivered until 24 to 36 hours after the request). But for many cities, the 10-day supply for 1.8 million people is not enough.

The New York Times

But a therapy is worthless if it cannot be delivered.

The Economist

While it cannot be delivered overnight, it is not a utopian dream, because many experience this in other European countries and in parts of the UK where it is affordable.

The Guardian

While this does not mean it cannot be delivered by big operators, with suitably decentralised structures, emerging findings from Care Quality Commission CQCC) inspections suggest that smaller is often better.

The Guardian

Letter from Michael Gove to Danny Alexander, chief secretary to the Treasury 29 November 2013 "I am currently over-committed on capital in 2014-15 by around £400 million … However, now that my officials have had time to fully analyse this policy, it is clear that it cannot be delivered for less than £449m in 2014-15 and £635m in 2015-16.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

"Local irrigation districts operating federal irrigation projects have recently been advised that under Federal Reclamation Law, it is likely project water cannot be delivered and utilized for purposes that are illegal under federal law," wrote Roza district manager Scott Revell in letters to the Yakima and Benton county commissioners.

Huffington Post

Petroliam Nasional has said it will invoke the "force majeure" clause in the contract and refuse to pay for gas that cannot be delivered, but it is still negotiating for time with the gas field's operators, which include BP and a Thai subsidiary of Amerada Hess.

The New York Times

Anti-virus software often bounces a warning back to the sender of an infected e-mail, saying that the e-mail in question cannot be delivered because it contains a virus.

The Economist

The question is whether decentralisation to new settlements actually achieves this – it is a tall order and cannot be delivered without business involvement and plenty of government money in the form of grants and loans.

The Guardian

In pragmatic terms, even if some of the effect of the treatment process is due to "placebo", acupuncture cannot be delivered without it, and therefore as with all complex interventions, the important question is whether the overall effect is worth paying for.

BMC Gastroenterology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it cannot be delivered", ensure the context clearly specifies what 'it' refers to. This avoids ambiguity and maintains clarity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "it cannot be delivered" without clearly defining what 'it' represents. Vague references can confuse readers. Always specify the subject to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it cannot be delivered" functions as a statement indicating the impossibility of something being provided or accomplished. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct. Examples show its use in contexts ranging from physical goods to abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it cannot be delivered" is a grammatically sound and neutrally toned expression used to convey the impossibility of providing or accomplishing something. As verified by Ludwig AI, it's applicable across diverse contexts, from news reports to scientific discussions. While generally versatile, awareness of context is key: specify the 'it' to maintain clarity. When a more formal register is needed, consider alternatives like "it is not deliverable" or "delivery is not feasible". The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media and Science, suggesting its widespread use in conveying information about limitations or failures.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is not deliverable

Replaces the passive voice construction with a more direct adjective form.

it is impossible to deliver

Emphasizes the impossibility of the delivery.

delivery is not feasible

Focuses on the feasibility of the delivery itself.

it cannot be supplied

Substitutes "delivered" with a synonym emphasizing the provision of something.

it is undeliverable

A more concise adjective form indicating the inability to deliver.

it is not possible to provide it

Uses a more verbose construction to express the impossibility of providing something.

it cannot be furnished

Replaces "delivered" with a synonym emphasizing the act of furnishing or supplying.

it cannot be rendered

Uses "rendered" as a synonym for "delivered," suitable in contexts involving services or performances.

it cannot be conveyed

Replaces "delivered" with a synonym emphasizing the act of conveying or communicating something.

it is unachievable to deliver

Expresses the impossibility of delivery by using 'unachievable' to describe the act.

FAQs

What does "it cannot be delivered" mean?

The phrase "it cannot be delivered" means that something is impossible to send, provide, or accomplish. The specific meaning depends on the context.

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

You can use "it cannot be delivered" in sentences like, "Due to technical issues, the software update "cannot be delivered" on time" or "The aid "cannot be delivered" by land due to security concerns."

What are some alternatives to "it cannot be delivered"?

Some alternatives include "it is not deliverable", "it is impossible to deliver", or "delivery is not feasible", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it cannot be delivered" formal or informal?

The phrase "it cannot be delivered" is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in highly professional settings.