it cannot be said that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it cannot be said that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something is unlikely. For example, "It cannot be said that John is an organized person; his bedroom is usually in disarray."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It cannot be said that Christians returned the compliment.

The Guardian - Opinion

Unless it did, it cannot be said that its illegality vitiated his confessions.' 143 Conn .at page 173, 120 at2d at page 412.

Cornell University

It cannot be said that one type of DSP processor architecture is good or not.

Embedded DSP Processor Design Application Specific Instruction Set Processors

It cannot be said that Chicago suffered much thereafter.

The New York Times - Sports

It cannot be said that anyone suffered in silence.

The New York Times - Books

It cannot be said that he acted irrationally".

The Guardian

It cannot be said that the District Court erred in making that determination.

Cornell University

It cannot be said that any fixed rules have been established.

Cornell University

In her defence, it cannot be said that she has yet done any positive harm.

Independent

Nevertheless, it cannot be said that theology and the history of religions only contradict one another.

Encyclopedia Britannica

• It cannot be said that Mr. Ewanick is not a quick study.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "it cannot be said that" with a positive statement to offer a nuanced perspective. For example, "It cannot be said that the project was a complete failure; some aspects did achieve their goals."

Common error

Avoid using "it cannot be said that" excessively, as it can make your writing sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for more direct and concise alternatives when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it cannot be said that" functions as a hedge or a disclaimer, softening a potentially conflicting statement. According to Ludwig AI, this construction is a valid way to express doubt or disagreement politely.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

33%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it cannot be said that" is a versatile phrase used to express uncertainty, disagreement, or introduce a contrasting viewpoint with tact and politeness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely accepted in English writing. Predominantly found in news, academic, and scientific contexts, this phrase serves as a hedging device, softening potential conflicts and promoting nuanced communication. While highly functional, it's important to avoid overuse to prevent the writing from sounding excessively formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is not accurate to say

Emphasizes factual inaccuracy rather than impossibility.

it is not true that

Directly challenges the veracity of a statement.

it would be inaccurate to claim

Focuses on the potential for error in making a specific claim.

it's not possible to assert

Highlights the lack of grounds for a confident assertion.

it's hard to argue that

Suggests a weak or indefensible position.

one cannot confidently state

Implies a lack of certainty or sufficient evidence.

it's not necessarily the case that

Indicates that something is not universally or always true.

it is unlikely that

Expresses a lower probability of something occurring or being true.

there is no guarantee that

Underscores the absence of assurance or certainty.

it is doubtful that

Conveys skepticism or disbelief.

FAQs

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

Use "it cannot be said that" to politely introduce a contrary opinion or to express doubt. For example, "It cannot be said that the experiment was entirely successful, given the unexpected results."

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

Alternatives include "it is not accurate to say", "it is unlikely that", or "it is doubtful that", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it cannot be said that" formal or informal?

"It cannot be said that" leans towards formal usage, often found in academic, professional, or journalistic contexts. Simpler phrases may be preferable for informal settings.

What is the difference between "it cannot be said that" and "it is not true that"?

"It cannot be said that" suggests a lack of sufficient evidence or certainty, while "it is not true that" directly refutes a statement's factual accuracy.