no longer can

USAGE SUMMARY

'no longer can' is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is used to express that it is not possible to do something anymore. Example: "With the new regulations, no longer can we fly the same routes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

It no longer can.

The Economist

As a mother, I no longer can.

The New York Times

But they no longer can.

The New York Times

Only she no longer can.

The New York Times

He finds it disorienting that he no longer can.

The New York Times - Tech

One reason to be a writer is for your friends who no longer can be.

The New York Times - Magazine

Parents no longer can come home at 5 p.m. for dinner.

The New York Times

Arab rulers no longer have a monopoly on information, they no longer can shape opinion.

The New York Times

Even people who can afford it no longer can be bothered to organize their houses properly.

The New York Times - Magazine

By retiring the Concorde, we no longer can cross the Atlantic in three hours.

The New York Times - Magazine

The revoked users no longer can decrypt the encrypted data.

Data Science and Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "no longer can", ensure the context clearly establishes what the subject could do previously, to highlight the change.

Common error

Avoid using "no longer can" when simply stating a current inability without implying a prior possibility. For example, saying 'I no longer can fly' when you've never been able to fly is misuse; 'I cannot fly' is sufficient.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "no longer can" functions as a modal phrase expressing a change in ability or possibility. Ludwig shows that it indicates something that was previously feasible is now not. It often precedes a verb, specifying the action that is now impossible.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "no longer can" is a versatile phrase used to express a change in ability or possibility, indicating that something once feasible is now not. Ludwig AI confirms it's a correct and usable part of English sentences. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. Remember to use it when you want to highlight a shift over time, and avoid it when simply stating a current inability. Alternative phrases like "is no longer able to" can provide more formal options.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can no longer

Reorders the phrase while retaining the original meaning.

is no longer able to

Replaces the modal verb "can" with "is able to", maintaining the same meaning but with a slightly more formal tone.

cannot anymore

Uses "cannot" as a direct replacement for "no longer can", offering a more concise alternative.

is now unable to

Similar to "is no longer able to" but emphasizes the current state of inability.

is now impossible to

Focuses on the impossibility of an action, often due to changed circumstances.

is not permitted to anymore

Shifts the focus to permission rather than ability, implying an external restriction.

is not an option anymore

Indicates that a previously available choice is no longer viable.

is prohibited from now on

Emphasizes a formal prohibition, often used in legal or official contexts.

has ceased to be able to

A more formal and emphatic way of expressing the loss of ability.

is out of the question

Indicates that something is impossible or unacceptable.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "no longer can" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you can use alternatives such as "is no longer able to" or "is now unable to". These options add a degree of sophistication suitable for professional or academic writing.

When is it appropriate to use "no longer can"?

"No longer can" is appropriate when you want to emphasize that a change has occurred, and something that was previously possible is now impossible. It highlights the shift in ability or opportunity.

What's the difference between "cannot" and "no longer can"?

"Cannot" simply states an inability, while "no longer can" implies a change over time. "Cannot" is a general statement of impossibility, whereas "no longer can" specifies that something was once possible but isn't anymore.

Can I use "no longer can" at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes, you can use "no longer can" at the beginning of a sentence for emphasis. However, this inverts the typical subject-verb order, so use it sparingly to avoid sounding unnatural. For example: "No longer can we afford to ignore this issue."