this cannot be right

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this cannot be right" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing doubt or disbelief about a situation or information that seems incorrect or unreasonable. Example: "After reviewing the calculations, I thought to myself, this cannot be right; the numbers don't add up."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

This cannot be right.

SEP

"This cannot be right," Mr. Duffy said.

The New York Times

But this cannot be right.

The Guardian - Opinion

This cannot be right nor can it possibly work.

The Guardian - Opinion

But this cannot be right, for two obvious reasons.

The New York Times

Smallweed replies in tones of icy rebuke : This cannot be right.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

And that cannot be right.

The Guardian - Sport

This surely cannot be right.

The Guardian

This simply cannot be right.

The Guardian - Money

But this too cannot be right, Philoponus argues, since 'particular nature' means the same as 'hypóstasis', which he uses as a synonym also of 'person' and 'individual being'.

SEP

It cannot be right that this out of touch government is making millions of working people and pensioners on modest incomes pay more while giving millionaires and bankers a huge tax cut.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this cannot be right" to express disbelief or polite disagreement, especially when presented with information that contradicts your understanding or expectations.

Common error

While "this cannot be right" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid using it excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more objective and nuanced expressions of disagreement, like "further investigation is required" or "these findings warrant further scrutiny".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this cannot be right" functions as an expression of disbelief or disagreement. Ludwig examples show it's used when something seems incorrect or illogical. The Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "this cannot be right" is a common expression used to convey disbelief, doubt, or polite disagreement when faced with information or a situation that appears incorrect or illogical. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Ludwig examples showcase its usage across diverse sources, including news and media, as well as scientific publications. While "this cannot be right" is suitable for various contexts, more formal settings may necessitate a more objective and nuanced expression of disagreement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that can't be correct

Replaces "right" with "correct", maintaining the same meaning but with a slight shift in word choice.

that doesn't seem accurate

Focuses on the lack of accuracy, implying it's not right.

that's not possible

Indicates disbelief by stating the situation is impossible, rather than incorrect.

that's hard to believe

Emphasizes the difficulty in accepting the information or situation as true.

that's unacceptable

Highlights the unacceptability of a situation, implying it should not be right.

that seems unlikely

Expresses doubt by suggesting that something is improbable.

I doubt that's true

Directly expresses doubt about the truthfulness of a statement.

I find that hard to accept

Highlights personal difficulty in accepting the stated fact.

I don't think that's the case

Indicates disagreement by suggesting the presented scenario is not the actual situation.

that's questionable

Suggests that something is doubtful or open to question.

FAQs

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

You can use "this cannot be right" to express disbelief or polite disagreement. For example, "The numbers don't add up; this cannot be right."

What are some alternatives to "this cannot be right"?

Alternatives include "that can't be correct", "that's not possible", or "that's hard to believe", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

It's appropriate to use "this cannot be right" when you encounter information or a situation that seems incorrect, illogical, or unacceptable. It expresses a sense of disbelief or polite disagreement.

Is "this cannot be right" formal or informal?

"This cannot be right" is generally considered neutral in tone. While it can be used in some professional settings, it's more commonly found in everyday conversation or less formal writing. In academic contexts, more precise and objective language may be preferred.