it cannot serve

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it cannot serve" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the limitations or ineffectiveness of something in fulfilling a purpose or function. Example: "In this context, the current policy cannot serve the needs of our diverse community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

If the record is missing information, contains incorrect data, or is difficult to understand, then it cannot serve its function as a tool of learning and support for the scientist to whom it belongs, to members of the research group who may need to make sense of it, and a broader audience if the ownership or reputation of the research is at stake.

Journal of Cheminformatics

It says that it has arrangements with more than 30 other airlines to take passengers it cannot serve with its own fleet and that it will offer refunds to customers whose flights have been canceled.

The New York Times

It cannot serve as an independent and standard diagnostic method unless its sensitivity is greatly improved.

BioMed Research International

The plan seeks to assuage concerns on all sides, Mr. Rubio added; it cannot serve as a lure to illegal immigrants but must offer eligible students genuine relief.

The New York Times

However, in all but the most extreme cases nonviolence summons us to recognize that humanity even when it cannot serve as the basis for negotiation or resolution.

The New York Times

By contrast, so long as Iran's nuclear enrichment program remains illegitimate and subject to international censure, it cannot serve as an attractive model for other countries.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Even the miracle of time travel, it appears, cannot serve to alter what is, for any historian, a most awkward fact: that it is impossible to be certain of what Socrates actually said.

The Guardian - Books

Of course, not all Italians are taken with Grillo (who, as it happens, cannot serve as prime minister because of his involuntary manslaughter drunken-driving conviction decades ago for killing a family of three).

Huffington Post

It's quite saucy, but not so much so that you cannot serve it as a side dish; I do that routinely.

The New York Times - Food

At one point Jesus even personifies money, giving it a name -- "Mammon"... and telling us we cannot serve both it and God.

Huffington Post

But the court could also rule that it was merely a statement that cannot serve as precedent.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it cannot serve", ensure the subject (the 'it') is clearly defined in the context to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The current infrastructure it cannot serve the growing population effectively."

Common error

Avoid using "it cannot serve" in very informal or casual contexts. While grammatically correct, it may sound overly formal. Opt for simpler alternatives like "it doesn't work" or "it can't do the job" in less formal situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it cannot serve" functions as a negative predication, indicating that the subject ('it') is incapable or unable to perform a specific action or fulfill a particular purpose. Ludwig's examples show this across various contexts, from scientific data analysis to political commentary.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

6%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it cannot serve" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate the inability of something to fulfill a specific purpose or function. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When writing, ensure the subject is clearly defined and consider the context to avoid an overly formal tone. Alternatives such as "it's unable to function" or "it cannot fulfill its purpose" may provide more suitable options in certain situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it cannot fulfill its purpose

Directly states the inability to meet the intended purpose.

it's unable to function

Replaces "cannot serve" with a more direct expression of inability to function.

it's incapable of fulfilling

Emphasizes the incapability of meeting a requirement or expectation.

it does not suffice

Indicates that something is not adequate or enough for a particular purpose.

it falls short of

Highlights the inadequacy of something in reaching a desired standard or outcome.

it's unfit to perform

Suggests that something lacks the necessary qualities or condition to carry out a task.

it's unsuited for the role

Specifically addresses the inappropriateness of something for a particular role or function.

it is not designed to

Focuses on the lack of intended design or capability for a specific task.

it is not equipped to

Highlights the absence of necessary equipment or resources.

it's not up to the task

Implies that something lacks the required strength or ability.

FAQs

How can I use "it cannot serve" in a sentence?

Use "it cannot serve" to express that something is unable to fulfill a specific function or purpose. For example, "This outdated technology it cannot serve the needs of our modern business."

What are some alternatives to "it cannot serve"?

You can use alternatives such as "it is unable to fulfill", "it does not suffice", or "it cannot fulfill its purpose depending on the specific context.

Is "it cannot serve" too formal for everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "it cannot serve" can sound formal in casual conversations. In informal settings, consider using phrases like "it doesn't work" or "it can't do the job."

What's the difference between "it cannot serve" and "it does not work"?

"It cannot serve" typically implies a failure to fulfill a particular purpose or function, whereas "it does not work" suggests a more general failure of operation. For example, "The system it cannot serve the increased user load" versus "The application it does not work after the update."