it cannot be helped

USAGE SUMMARY

"it cannot be helped" is a perfectly correct and usable expression in written English.
It is usually used to express resignation or acceptance in the face of something unavoidable. Here is an example sentence: I'm sorry, but the event was cancelled due to the weather – it cannot be helped.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

The phrase references the Japanese saying "shikata ga nai" ― "it cannot be helped" ― which some Japanese-Americans invoked during the wartime incarceration as they followed government policies that violated their civil rights.

Huffington Post

It cannot be helped.

The New York Times - Arts

But sometimes, others say, it cannot be helped.

The New York Times

But it cannot be helped," I went on thinking.

Independent

It cannot be helped, since everybody wants to keep his/her room cool, especially under a burning sun.

Journal of Economic Structures

Sure, sometimes it cannot be helped; but let's be honest, most of the time it can.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Shikataganai, they said-- it cannot be helped". The Japanesaid-- itan Citizensaid-- it a national organization formed by the Nisei, adopted a policannotcooperation to demonstrate loyalty to the United States.

Los Angeles Times

McEwan will also argue that the delay selling the 300 branches that the EU demanded as a penalty for its bailout cannot be helped.

The Guardian - Business

This usually works as they do not ask for proof of when your birthday is, and understand that it is something that happens and cannot be helped.

WikiHow

But the basic dynamic cannot be helped.

The New York Times

But that cannot be helped.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it cannot be helped" to express acceptance of an undesirable situation when you have exhausted all possible solutions or interventions.

Common error

Avoid using "it cannot be helped" as a default response to problems without first exploring potential solutions. Overuse can convey a sense of apathy or unwillingness to take action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it cannot be helped" functions as an idiomatic expression used to express resignation or acceptance of a situation that is beyond one's control. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Wiki

24%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Academia

9%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the expression "it cannot be helped" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to convey acceptance or resignation in the face of unavoidable circumstances. While it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, as Ludwig AI confirms, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various settings. Remember to use it judiciously, ensuring that you have genuinely explored available options before resorting to this expression of acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there's nothing to be done

This alternative emphasizes the lack of possible actions to change the situation.

it is unavoidable

This focuses on the inevitability of the situation.

it's out of my hands

This highlights a lack of personal control over the matter.

it's beyond my control

Similar to the previous one, it emphasizes the lack of influence.

it is what it is

This expresses acceptance of the present situation without dwelling on what could have been.

that's the way it goes

This conveys a sense of acceptance, often with a hint of disappointment.

such is life

This is a philosophical acceptance of the ups and downs of life.

nothing can be done about it

This alternative stresses the impossibility of altering the outcome.

we have no choice

This phrase suggests a lack of options, leaving no alternative but to accept the situation.

it cannot be helped

This phrase references the Japanese saying "shikata ga nai" ― "it cannot be helped"

FAQs

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

Use "it cannot be helped" to express resignation or acceptance when faced with an unavoidable or unchangeable situation. For example: "The flight was cancelled due to the storm; "it cannot be helped"."

What does "it cannot be helped" mean?

"It cannot be helped" signifies that a situation is unalterable and must be accepted, often with a sense of regret or resignation.

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

You can use alternatives like "there's nothing to be done", "it is unavoidable", or "it's out of my hands" depending on the context.

Is "it cannot be helped" formal or informal?

"It cannot be helped" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.