it cannot be excluded that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it cannot be excluded that" is correct and usable in written English.
Generally, it is used to suggest that something cannot be ruled out as a possibility, even if it is unlikely. For example: "Given the evidence, it cannot be excluded that the accused may have been innocent."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It cannot be excluded that including milder cases of bipolar disorder into the sample might have resulted in other findings.

International Journal of Bipolar Disorders

It cannot be excluded that anisomycin affects memory-related processes other than neurogenesis.

Plosone

Therefore, it cannot be excluded that low inhibition efficacy is one reason for unaltered melanocyte viability.

EMBO Molecular Medicine

It cannot be excluded that more characteristics will emerge in the future.

Empirical Research in Vocational Education and Training

However, it cannot be excluded that fee discrimination lowers patient welfare.

Health Economics Review

In such conditions, it cannot be excluded that K 1 may show considerable inter-individual variability.

EJNMMI Research

It cannot be excluded that all the above-mentioned mechanisms could act together.

Clinical and Translational Medicine

It cannot be excluded that the water at "Outlet" contained traces of domestic wastewater.

Environmental Sciences Europe

In addition, it cannot be excluded that several mechanisms play roles at the same time.

Progress in Earth and Planetary Science

However, it cannot be excluded that Proclus rewrote or modified it later.

SEP

It cannot be excluded that FI may be correlated to more than the need for NADH oxidation via glycerol formation.

AMB Express

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it cannot be excluded that" to introduce a possibility that should be considered, especially when discussing potential factors or explanations. It is best suited for formal contexts and scientific discussions.

Common error

While "it cannot be excluded that" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive constructions can make your writing sound wordy. Consider active voice alternatives when appropriate to improve clarity and conciseness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it cannot be excluded that" functions as a modal hedge. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is a grammatically correct expression used to introduce a possibility or consideration, especially in situations where certainty is not possible.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

100%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it cannot be excluded that" is a formal phrase used to introduce a possibility or factor that should be considered. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in scientific and formal writing, where a cautious and nuanced tone is required. While very common in scientific contexts, it's less prevalent in news, business, or encyclopedic sources. When aiming for conciseness, consider active alternatives to avoid overuse of passive constructions. Overall, this phrase serves as a valuable tool for expressing uncertainty while maintaining a professional and authoritative voice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's possible that

This alternative is more direct and less formal.

it is conceivable that

This alternative suggests something is imaginable or believable, though not necessarily likely.

it's not impossible that

This alternative uses a double negative to express possibility, often implying a slightly lower likelihood.

one cannot rule out that

This alternative uses a more emphatic tone about the impossibility to exclude something.

it is plausible that

This alternative suggests that something is believable based on current evidence.

the possibility exists that

This alternative places emphasis on the existence of a possibility.

it may be the case that

This alternative is more tentative and indicates a potential situation.

there's a chance that

This alternative uses a colloquial tone to express a probability.

it is not out of the question that

This alternative implies something is unlikely, but still possible.

it is thinkable that

This alternative denotes something is able to be thought of or imagined.

FAQs

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

Use "it cannot be excluded that" to introduce a possibility or factor that should be considered. For example: "Based on the data, it cannot be excluded that environmental factors played a role."

What are some alternatives to "it cannot be excluded that"?

You can use alternatives like "it's possible that", "it is conceivable that", or "it's not impossible that" depending on the context.

Is "it cannot be excluded that" formal or informal?

"It cannot be excluded that" is generally considered a formal phrase. It is best suited for academic, scientific, or professional writing.

What does "it cannot be excluded that" mean?

"It cannot be excluded that" means that something is possible and should be considered, even if it is not the most likely explanation.