it cannot be maintained that

USAGE SUMMARY

"it cannot be maintained that" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something is not held to be true or accurate. For example: "It cannot be maintained that technological advances will always benefit society."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 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

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

Cornell University

In the face of so clear a statement, it cannot be maintained that Marshall was a constitutional ruling now applicable, through the Fourteenth Amendment, to the States.

Cornell University

Although it cannot be denied that some rituals explicitly imitate or repeat a myth (e.g., a myth of creation), it cannot be maintained that all rituals do so.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

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

Cornell University

Triploidy cannot be maintained in organisms that routinely go through meiosis, yet there is no a priori reason that it cannot be maintained in organisms that reproduce primarily through mitosis.

Genetics

Hutton is adamant that China's economic success cannot be maintained unless the freedoms that are supposedly integral to the "knowledge economy" are introduced.

The Guardian - Books

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

It has been shown that the retina is a complex tissue lined by a pigment epithelium that cannot be maintained in the static environment of a culture dish over prolonged periods of time.

Clinical and Translational Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it cannot be maintained that" when you want to formally and assertively express disagreement with a particular claim or idea. Ensure the context is appropriate for a formal tone.

Common error

Avoid using "it cannot be maintained that" in casual conversation or informal writing. It sounds overly formal and unnatural in those settings. Opt for simpler phrases like "I don't think that's true" or "That's not right".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it cannot be maintained that" functions as a declarative statement expressing disagreement or negation. It introduces a proposition that the speaker or writer believes is false or unsustainable. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Academia

40%

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it cannot be maintained that" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express strong disagreement or to negate a claim. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While it appears more frequently in formal writing, academic discourse, and news reporting, its overuse in informal contexts should be avoided. Alternative phrases, such as "one cannot reasonably argue that" or "the claim that cannot be supported", can provide variety in expression. Use this phrase when precision and formality are required to effectively communicate your disagreement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one cannot reasonably argue that

Adds the element of reason, suggesting the argument is irrational.

it is untenable to argue that

Substitutes "maintained" with "argue" and uses "untenable", suggesting the argument is indefensible.

it is unsustainable to assert that

Replaces "maintained" with "assert" and frames it as unsustainable, implying a lack of long-term validity.

the claim that cannot be supported

Rephrases the sentence to focus on the claim's lack of support.

evidence does not support the idea that

Emphasizes the lack of supporting evidence.

it's doubtful to suggest that

Uses "doubtful" suggesting uncertainty in the suggestion.

it is impossible to uphold the view that

Uses "uphold the view" instead of "maintained", emphasizing the difficulty in supporting a particular opinion.

the notion that is indefensible

Highlights the indefensibility of the notion or idea.

the assumption that is flawed

Directly states that the assumption is incorrect or has issues.

there's no basis to believe that

Shifts the focus to the lack of a foundation for belief.

FAQs

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

Use "it cannot be maintained that" to express disagreement with a statement. For example, "It cannot be maintained that all economic policies benefit everyone equally".

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

Alternatives include phrases like "one cannot reasonably argue that", "the claim that cannot be supported", or "it is untenable to argue that" depending on the context.

Is "it cannot be maintained that" a formal or informal expression?

"It cannot be maintained that" is a formal expression suitable for academic, legal, or professional writing.

What does "it cannot be maintained that" mean?

It means that something is considered untrue or unsustainable; it is a way to express strong disagreement.