it cannot be taught

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it cannot be taught" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing skills, knowledge, or qualities that are innate or learned through experience rather than formal education. Example: "While many aspects of leadership can be developed through training, some qualities, like charisma, it cannot be taught."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

It cannot be taught.

The New Yorker

It cannot be taught in a classroom.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It cannot be taught in sociology lessons in school.

The Economist

This ability is not evenly distributed in the population, and it cannot be taught.

The New York Times

Character must be learned, but it cannot be taught in a classroom.

The New York Times

It cannot be taught as it would be in a Sunday school class, legal scholars said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

It is something that cannot be taught; it must be learned.

Huffington Post

The courts have made it clear that creationism cannot be taught in the public schools, but until now they have not addressed the possibility that something like intelligent design could be.

The New Yorker

This extraordinary gift cannot be taught, but it can be developed, it can grow and become more sensitive, more courageous, and more imaginative.

The Guardian

As he put it later, "What she knows cannot be taught".

The New Yorker

Corporate culture cannot be taught, it needs to be experienced We evolved from a small team in New York, sitting in the same office and time zone, to a global micro-multinational with a workforce on three continents.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it cannot be taught", ensure the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to, enhancing clarity and avoiding ambiguity. For example, specify "leadership skills cannot be taught" rather than just "it cannot be taught".

Common error

Avoid using "it cannot be taught" as a blanket statement. Qualify the statement by specifying the context or situation where the subject is indeed unteachable. Oversimplifying can undermine your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it cannot be taught" functions as a statement expressing that a particular skill, trait, or knowledge cannot be effectively imparted through traditional educational methods. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is often used to emphasize the importance of experience or innate qualities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

30%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it cannot be taught" is a common expression used to describe skills, traits, or knowledge that are best acquired through experience or are inherently innate, rather than through formal instruction. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts, ranging from news and media to academic discussions. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, it's important to ensure clarity by specifying what "it" refers to and avoiding overgeneralizations. Alternatives like "it must be learned" or "it is innate" can be used to provide nuanced meaning, depending on the context. Ultimately, the phrase highlights the limitations of formal education and underscores the value of experiential learning and inherent abilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is unteachable

Focuses on the inherent quality of being impossible to teach.

it must be learned

Highlights the necessity of experiential learning.

it's not something you can learn in a classroom

Emphasizes that formal education is insufficient.

it's best learned through experience

Suggests that practical experience is the superior method of learning.

it's an innate quality

Indicates that the trait is inherent and not acquired.

it defies instruction

Implies that the subject is resistant to formal teaching methods.

it is beyond the scope of education

Highlights that the subject matter is not within the boundaries of conventional teaching.

it is something you're born with

Suggests the trait is inherent from birth.

you have to pick it up yourself

Stresses individual learning and initiative.

it is acquired, not taught

Distinguishes between acquired knowledge and taught skills, placing emphasis on acquiring.

FAQs

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

Use "it cannot be taught" to describe qualities or skills best learned through experience rather than instruction. For example, "Empathy "it cannot be taught"; it must be experienced."

What are some alternatives to saying "it cannot be taught"?

Alternatives include "it must be learned", "it is innate", or "it is unteachable", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "it cannot be taught" or "it can't be taught"?

Both "it cannot be taught" and "it can't be taught" are grammatically correct. The former is slightly more formal, while the latter is more conversational. Choose based on the tone of your writing.

What kind of things are often said that "it cannot be taught"?

Traits like creativity, common sense, and leadership qualities are often described as things that ""it cannot be taught"", implying they arise from experience or inherent abilities rather than formal instruction.