it cannot be proved that

USAGE SUMMARY

'it cannot be proved that' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express doubt or uncertainty about something. For example, "It cannot be proved that climate change is caused by human activities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

To the Editor: It cannot be proved that literature improves morality.

The New York Times

Is it acceptable to use racially charged language, if it cannot be proved that you did it with malice?

The Guardian - Sport

If it cannot be proved that the directors actually took part in the fraud, they almost certainly will escape with no penalty beyond a tarnished reputation.

The New York Times

If it cannot be proved that Aeschylus "invented" tragedy, it is clear that he at least set its tone and established a model that is still operative.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It cannot be proved that this is such a universe, but it is inevitably assumed in acknowledging the claims of morality.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Other cases are not taken because even when negligence is obvious, it cannot be proved that the patient would have fared differently if no mistake had been made.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Thus, it cannot be proven that migration was the reason for genetic separation.

Nature

In the case of some biblical literature, there exists the real possibility, though it cannot be proven, that it must have endured a long period of oral transmission before its committal to writing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And it cannot be proven that all the data we receive is entirely accurate.

BBC

It cannot be proven that human activity is the cause of global warming, of course.

Forbes

It cannot be proven, that the security of civilians is threatened, i.e. due to pending or actual military engagement.

Journal of International Humanitarian Action

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it cannot be proved that" to express uncertainty or skepticism when discussing claims or hypotheses, especially when definitive evidence is lacking. This provides a balanced and objective tone.

Common error

Avoid using "it cannot be proved that" as a definitive dismissal of an idea; instead, acknowledge the lack of current proof while remaining open to future evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it cannot be proved that" functions as a hedge, indicating a lack of definitive evidence or certainty regarding a statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is commonly used to introduce claims or hypotheses where proof is lacking, as demonstrated in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

44%

Encyclopedias

19%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it cannot be proved that" is a versatile phrase used to express uncertainty and a lack of definitive evidence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically correct and usable expression. Its common occurrence in news, scientific, and encyclopedia sources indicates its suitability for objective and factual communication. While the phrase conveys uncertainty, it's essential to avoid using it to dismiss ideas definitively. Alternatives like "it is impossible to prove that" or "there is no proof that" can be used depending on the desired emphasis. When writing, use this phrase to express skepticism and highlight claims that lack solid evidence, and it's important not to come across as stating a definitive dismissal of the idea.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is impossible to prove that

Emphasizes the impossibility of providing proof.

there is no proof that

Focuses on the absence of evidence.

evidence does not confirm that

Highlights the lack of confirmatory evidence.

it cannot be demonstrated that

Suggests that demonstration or showing is not possible.

the evidence does not establish that

Indicates that the evidence fails to establish a certain fact.

it remains unproven that

Stresses the lack of a proven status.

it is not possible to verify that

Emphasizes the inability to verify something.

there's no definitive evidence that

Uses a more informal tone while indicating a lack of solid evidence.

it is uncertain whether

Shifts focus to the uncertainty of a particular situation.

the link is not definitively established

Specifically addresses a lack of established connection or relationship.

FAQs

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

Use "it cannot be proved that" to express a lack of conclusive evidence for a particular claim. For example, "It cannot be proved that this new drug is effective without further testing."

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

You can use alternatives like "it is impossible to prove that", "there is no proof that", or "evidence does not confirm that" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "it cannot be proven that" instead of "it cannot be proved that"?

Yes, "it cannot be proven that" is a valid alternative and is often used interchangeably with "it cannot be proved that". Both convey the same meaning.

What's the difference between "it cannot be proved that" and "it is unlikely that"?

"It cannot be proved that" indicates a lack of definitive evidence, while "it is unlikely that" suggests a low probability. The former focuses on evidence, the latter on probability.