it cannot be maintained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it cannot be maintained" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when arguing against a point or stating that a certain position or belief is not sustainable or defensible. Example: "Given the evidence presented, it cannot be maintained that the policy is effective in achieving its goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

If there is a fundamental unity to all beings, it cannot be maintained that a select few are nevertheless exempted from the rule.

SEP

And, as we have said, unless the exaction is a flagrant abuse, and by reason of its arbitrary character is mere confiscation of particular property, it cannot be maintained that the state has exceeded its taxing power.

Cornell University

'But it cannot be maintained that the exertion of federal power must await the disruption of that commerce.

Harvard University

It cannot be maintained therefore that the order so unnecessarily burdens interstate transportation as to contravene the commerce clause.

Cornell University

But it cannot be maintained that the exertion of federal power must await the disruption of that commerce.

Cornell University

If taxes stay as low as they are now, government as we know it cannot be maintained.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

It is next contended that this suit cannot be maintained, because it is in its effect a suit against the state, which is prohibited by the eleventh amendment of the constitution of the United States, and Louisiana v. Jumel, 107 U. S. 711, 2 Sup.

Cornell University

As for this reason the action cannot be maintained, it is needless to dwell upon the point that the answer demurred to, besides the special defense of the unconstitutionality of the act, contains a general denial of the allegations in the petition.

Cornell University

In the dynamic aspect, when the current equilibrium state of an inertial system cannot be maintained, it transits to another equilibrium without abrupt changes.

Complex & Intelligent Systems

Since both SVD precoding and spectral precoding use the precoding matrices (using G S and G W L as example), we can combine them by defining either G = G S G W L or G = G W L G S. The former way is not good because the continuous phase property brought by G W L cannot be maintained after it is left-multiplied by G S, which means G W L would be useless.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Although cardiac hypertrophy acts as a protective mechanism, it is well understood that this phenotype cannot be maintained long-term.

Endocrinology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it cannot be maintained", ensure the context clearly indicates what specifically is unsustainable or indefensible. Providing supporting reasons strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "it cannot be maintained" when a situation is merely difficult or challenging, not entirely impossible. Choose weaker phrasings if the situation allows for potential solutions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it cannot be maintained" functions as a negative assertion or judgment. It's used to express that something is unsustainable, impossible to defend, or unachievable in the long run. Ludwig examples showcase this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Academia

30%

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it cannot be maintained" is a versatile expression used to convey that something is unsustainable or indefensible. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across diverse fields, including academia, news, and science. While common, it's important to consider related phrases and avoid overstating the impossibility of a situation. When using "it cannot be maintained", ensure that the context clearly indicates what specifically is unsustainable or indefensible and when writing, it's useful to keep in mind how you can provide support for that argument.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is unsustainable

Focuses on the inability to continue due to resource depletion or other limitations.

it is untenable

Emphasizes the impossibility of maintaining a position or situation.

it is not viable

Indicates that something is not practical or capable of succeeding.

it is not feasible

Indicates that something is not realistically achievable.

it is indefensible

Highlights the lack of justification or support for a claim or action.

it is not supportable

Highlights the lack of evidence or resources to validate something.

it is not justifiable

Emphasizes the lack of moral or ethical grounds for something.

it is impossible to uphold

Stresses the difficulty or inability to defend or support something.

it is impossible to continue

Focuses on the cessation of an activity or process.

it is out of the question

Expresses a firm refusal or impossibility.

FAQs

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

You can use "it cannot be maintained" to argue against a point or state that a certain position or belief is not sustainable or defensible. For example: Given the evidence presented, "it cannot be maintained" that the policy is effective in achieving its goals.

What phrases are similar to "it cannot be maintained"?

Alternatives to "it cannot be maintained" include "it is unsustainable", "it is indefensible", or "it is untenable", each emphasizing slightly different aspects of the concept.

Is "it cannot be maintained" formal or informal?

"It cannot be maintained" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts. The formality depends on the surrounding language and overall tone of the writing.

When is it inappropriate to use "it cannot be maintained"?

Avoid using "it cannot be maintained" when a situation is simply difficult or challenging, rather than impossible. Consider alternative phrases that convey a lower degree of certainty.