it cannot be mentioned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it cannot be mentioned" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is not appropriate or permissible to discuss in a given context. Example: "Due to confidentiality agreements, certain details of the project cannot be mentioned in public forums."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The king's role... China, I don't see how it cannot be mentioned.

Independent

The older and larger drone program in Pakistan, for instance, is a centerpiece of American foreign policy, discussed daily in the news media — but it cannot be mentioned at a public Congressional hearing.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

In this weekend's Your Money column, I pay a visit to Chanel Reynolds, a widow who has built a site whose name cannot be mentioned here (though I can give you a link to it).

The New York Times

Everybody is told that for legal reasons the court case cannot be mentioned.

The Guardian - Music

Legal obstacles, which cannot be identified, involve proceedings, which cannot be mentioned, on behalf of a client who must remain secret.

The Guardian

God, whose name cannot be mentioned, is present in the hearts of the believers but the prayers for the couple are silenced.

The Guardian - Opinion

That the Confederacy fought for slavery and the destruction of the United States as one nation cannot be mentioned, for that would hinder reconciliation and reunion.

The New York Times - Books

The giant locusts had been bad enough, and the snakes, which are known in Georgian as "that which cannot be mentioned".

The New York Times

China's relentless drive for speed and distinction has already been a liability in the construction of high-speed trains, which a spokesman once called so superior to Japanese trains that they "cannot be mentioned in the same breath".

The New Yorker

Those still in jail (they include a journalist sentenced to 20 years just for throwing an egg at the portrait of Chairman Mao in the square) cannot be mentioned.

The Guardian

A December 2001 e-mail from a top Johnson & Johnson executive stated that he was "very disappointed to read in your proposal references" to bribes "which cannot be mentioned in written correspondence".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it cannot be mentioned" when you want to indicate that a topic is deliberately being avoided or suppressed, often for legal, political, or social reasons.

Common error

Avoid using "it cannot be mentioned" in casual conversations where a simpler phrase like "we're not supposed to talk about that" would be more appropriate. The phrase carries a formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it cannot be mentioned" functions as a declarative statement indicating that a particular topic, subject, or detail is prohibited, restricted, or otherwise deemed inappropriate for discussion or acknowledgement. This aligns with Ludwig AI analysis and the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it cannot be mentioned" is a phrase used to indicate that a topic is intentionally being avoided or suppressed. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While adaptable to various contexts, it is most commonly found in News & Media and Science domains. Consider context and tone to avoid overuse in casual conversation, and be mindful of alternative phrases to provide clarity where relevant. The examples provided by Ludwig highlight instances where the phrase is used to navigate legal, political, or sensitive matters.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is not permissible to mention

Replaces "cannot" with "is not permissible" to convey a formal prohibition.

it is forbidden to speak of

Emphasizes a stronger prohibition, using "forbidden" instead of "cannot".

it's a topic best left unsaid

Suggests discretion and avoidance rather than strict prohibition.

it's a subject that must remain confidential

Focuses on the confidentiality aspect, highlighting secrecy.

mention of it is off-limits

Uses a more colloquial term, "off-limits", to indicate the topic is restricted.

it should not be brought up

A softer way of saying something should be avoided in conversation.

that's something we don't talk about

Emphasizes a social or cultural taboo around the topic.

it's a matter not for discussion

Highlights the inappropriateness of debating or analyzing the topic.

it is a subject under wraps

Uses the idiom "under wraps" to suggest the topic is being deliberately concealed.

it's a closed subject

Implies the topic is no longer open for consideration or discussion.

FAQs

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

You can use "it cannot be mentioned" to indicate that a topic is taboo, restricted, or confidential. For example, "Due to legal reasons, the details of the settlement "it cannot be mentioned" in public."

What are some alternative phrases for "it cannot be mentioned"?

Alternatives include "it is forbidden to speak of", "it is not permissible to mention", or "it should not be brought up", depending on the context.

Is "it cannot be mentioned" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "it cannot be mentioned" is suitable for formal writing when you need to convey that something is deliberately being omitted or suppressed. The level of formality depends on your audience, context, and overall message.

When is it better to use "it cannot be disclosed" instead of "it cannot be mentioned"?

"It cannot be disclosed" implies that information is deliberately kept secret, often due to confidentiality or security. "It cannot be mentioned" is broader, suggesting the topic is avoided for various reasons, not just secrecy. For example, "The exact figures cannot be disclosed due to privacy concerns," versus "The king's role... China, I don't see how "it cannot be mentioned"."