it cannot be done

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it cannot be done" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that a task or request is impossible to accomplish. Example: "After reviewing the project requirements, I must inform you that it cannot be done within the given timeframe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

If coding is to take its rightful place in the classroom, it cannot be done on the cheap.

The Economist

"It cannot be done individually".

The New York Times

Surely, it cannot be done.

Independent

"It cannot be done," he said quietly.

The New Yorker

But sometimes it cannot be done.

The Guardian - Opinion

And still, it cannot be done.

The New Yorker

Quite simply, it cannot be done.

The Guardian - Music

"It cannot be done in Khartoum only.

The New York Times

It cannot be done by foreign volunteers.

The Guardian - Opinion

It cannot be done on the cheap.

The New York Times

It cannot be done without desecration.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it cannot be done", choose alternative phrases like "it is impossible" or "it simply isn't possible" to add emphasis or nuance.

Common error

Avoid using "it cannot be done" without providing context or reasons. Simply stating that something is impossible without further clarification can be dismissive and unhelpful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it cannot be done" functions as a declarative statement expressing impossibility or infeasibility. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it cannot be done" is a common and direct way to express impossibility or infeasibility. Ludwig AI analysis, backed by numerous real-world examples, confirms its frequent usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal business settings. While grammatically correct, be mindful of overuse and ensure to provide context for clarity. Consider alternative phrasing such as "it is impossible" or "it is not feasible" for variations in tone and formality. Ultimately, understanding the nuances of its usage ensures effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is impossible

Replaces the modal verb "cannot" with "is impossible", directly stating impossibility.

it simply isn't possible

Adds emphasis to the impossibility of the task.

it's unachievable

Uses the adjective "unachievable" to express that something cannot be accomplished.

it's not feasible

Emphasizes the impracticality of accomplishing something.

it's out of the question

Indicates that something is not allowed or possible.

it is not viable

Suggests the impossibility from a practical or sustainable standpoint.

it's beyond reach

Conveys that something is unattainable or inaccessible.

it defies possibility

Uses stronger, more figurative language to highlight the impossibility.

it's a lost cause

Implies that any effort would be futile.

it's a non-starter

Suggests that something is doomed to fail from the beginning.

FAQs

What does "it cannot be done" mean?

The phrase "it cannot be done" means that something is impossible to achieve or accomplish. It expresses a lack of feasibility or the absence of a viable solution.

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

You can use "it cannot be done" in sentences like: "After careful evaluation, we concluded that "it cannot be done" within the current budget" or "Despite our best efforts, "it cannot be done" due to technical limitations."

Are there more formal alternatives to "it cannot be done"?

Yes, you can use more formal alternatives such as "it is not feasible", "it is impossible", or "it is not viable" to convey the same meaning in a more professional context.

Is "it can't be done" the same as "it cannot be done"?

Yes, "it can't be done" is a contraction of "it cannot be done" and carries the same meaning. The contracted form is more informal, while "it cannot be done" is more formal.