this cannot be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this cannot be" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to express disbelief or impossibility regarding a situation or statement. Example: "After everything we've been through, this cannot be the end." Alternative expressions include "this is impossible" and "this can't happen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This cannot be acceptable.

The New York Times

This cannot be questioned.

Independent

But this cannot be.

The New York Times - Books

This cannot be right.

SEP

This cannot be true.

The New Yorker

This cannot be overridden.

The New Yorker

"This cannot be delayed".

Independent

This cannot be so.

Independent

Obviously, this cannot be allowed.

The New Yorker

This cannot be a whitewash".

Independent

But this cannot be true.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this cannot be" to express strong disagreement or disbelief, especially when reacting to surprising or unacceptable news. It adds emphasis and emotion to your response.

Common error

Avoid using "this cannot be" excessively in formal or academic writing. While effective for conveying emotion, it may come across as overly dramatic. Opt for more objective language to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this cannot be" primarily functions as an expression of disbelief, denial, or strong disagreement. It's used to reject a statement, situation, or outcome that is perceived as unacceptable, impossible, or undesirable. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples demonstrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this cannot be" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey disbelief, denial, or strong disagreement. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific publications. While versatile, it's advisable to use it judiciously in very formal writing to avoid sounding overly dramatic. Alternatives like "this is impossible" or "this is unacceptable" offer similar meanings with potentially different tonal nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

This is unacceptable

Emphasizes the unacceptability of a situation.

This is impossible

Highlights the impossibility of a situation.

This is not possible

States that something is not within the realm of possibility.

This shouldn't be happening

Expresses dismay or disbelief that something is occurring.

It can't be true

Indicates doubt or disbelief about the veracity of a statement.

This is not right

Expresses disagreement with the validity or fairness of a situation.

This is just wrong

Emphasizes the moral or ethical unacceptability of a situation.

It must be a mistake

Suggests the possibility of error as the cause of an unbelievable situation.

I refuse to believe it

Expresses a strong unwillingness to accept something as true.

There's no way

Indicates the impossibility of something occurring.

FAQs

How can I use "this cannot be" in a sentence?

You can use "this cannot be" to express disbelief, disagreement, or impossibility. For example, "After all our efforts, this cannot be the outcome" or "This cannot be happening!"

What phrases are similar to "this cannot be"?

Alternatives include "this is impossible", "this is unacceptable", or "it can't be true", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "this cannot be"?

It is suitable when expressing a strong emotional reaction, surprise, or denial. However, in formal writing, consider using more neutral alternatives to maintain objectivity.

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

Both "this cannot be" and "this can't be" are grammatically correct and express the same meaning. The contracted form "this can't be" is more informal.