there cannot be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there cannot be" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express the idea that something is not possible or allowed. For example, "There cannot be any doubt that this is the right choice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And without Hamas's acquiescence there cannot be elections in Gaza.

The Economist

c. "Without democracy there cannot be peace".

Huffington Post

There cannot be.

SEP

There cannot be two suns".

The New York Times

There cannot be a God.

The New Yorker

There cannot be any question.

The New York Times

There cannot be forgiveness.

The New York Times

Equally, there cannot be two Palestines.

The New York Times

"There cannot be a north-south divide".

The New York Times

There cannot be too many.

The New York Times - Books

"And there cannot be any other assessment".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "there cannot be" to express a firm impossibility or absence of something, ensuring the context clearly supports this strong assertion. Avoid overusing it in situations where a weaker expression of improbability would suffice.

Common error

Avoid using "there cannot be" when a situation merely has a low probability rather than a complete impossibility. For instance, instead of saying "There cannot be a mistake", consider "There is unlikely to be a mistake" if you acknowledge a slight chance of error.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there cannot be" functions as an existential negative construction, asserting the non-existence or impossibility of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s used to express that something is not possible or allowed.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "there cannot be" is a grammatically sound and useful expression for conveying impossibility or prohibition, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While not the most frequent phrase, it is found across a range of formal to neutral contexts, particularly in news and media, and scientific writing. When using "there cannot be", it is important to ensure that the context genuinely supports a claim of impossibility, avoiding its misuse in situations where mere improbability is meant. Alternatives like "it is impossible" or "it is out of the question" can provide variety and nuance, but "there cannot be" remains a potent tool for clear and emphatic communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it simply cannot happen

Emphasizes that something is impossible due to circumstances or natural laws.

it is impossible for there to be

This alternative explicitly states impossibility, making it a more formal and emphatic version.

it's not possible for there to be

Similar to the first, but less emphatic, thus more colloquial.

there is no possibility of

This version focuses on the absence of possibility rather than a direct prohibition.

it's out of the question

Expresses impossibility with a tone of finality and often used in more informal contexts.

it is not allowed

Focuses on prohibition, indicating that something is forbidden or not permitted.

that is unacceptable

Emphasizes that something is not tolerable or permissible, often in a moral or ethical sense.

that's not an option

Presents something as unfeasible or unavailable as a choice.

it's strictly forbidden

Highlights a strong prohibition, often with legal or authoritative backing.

this is out of bounds

Indicates something is beyond acceptable limits or boundaries, frequently in a metaphorical sense.

FAQs

How do I use "there cannot be" in a sentence?

Use "there cannot be" to express that something is impossible or not allowed. For example, "There cannot be any exceptions to the rule".

What can I say instead of "there cannot be"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it is impossible", "it is not possible", or "it is out of the question", depending on the specific context and level of formality.

Which is correct: "there cannot be" or "there can't be"?

"There cannot be" is more formal, while "there can't be" is a contraction and more informal. Both are grammatically correct, but the choice depends on the context. For example, you might prefer "there cannot be" in formal writing or speech.

What is the difference between "there cannot be" and "there should not be"?

"There cannot be" indicates an impossibility, while "there should not be" expresses a preference or expectation. For instance, "There cannot be two winners" means it's impossible, but "There should not be two winners" means it's undesirable but possible.