this cannot be true

USAGE SUMMARY

"this cannot be true" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to express disbelief or uncertainty about a statement or claim. For example, "My teacher said I'd get an A on the test, but this cannot be true."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

This cannot be true.

The New Yorker

But this cannot be true.

The Economist

I am sure this cannot be true, can it?

The Guardian

However, this cannot be true if it really is the case that God is morally perfect.

The New York Times

This cannot be true when so many heads are seeing hundreds of applications for posts".

The Guardian

"The hair stood up on the back of my neck and I said, 'This cannot be true,' " he recalled.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

An explosive marketing strategy can help start-ups make their entry into the market, even when it's already crowded with industry giants; this cannot be truer in the blockchain industry.

Forbes

Surely that cannot be true?

The Guardian - Arts

And of course that cannot be true".

The New York Times

Again, both of these cannot be true.

Huffington Post

This material cannot be true perovskite (CaO.TiO2) because the TiO2 content of the cements is too small (Table 1).

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this cannot be true" when you want to express disbelief or strong disagreement with a statement. Ensure the context makes it clear what you're doubting or refuting.

Common error

While effective for conveying skepticism, avoid overusing "this cannot be true" in formal or academic writing. Opt for more nuanced and evidence-based rebuttals to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this cannot be true" primarily functions as an expression of disbelief or contradiction. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it serves to challenge the veracity of a statement. The examples provided by Ludwig showcase its use in various contexts to question the validity of claims.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

36%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "this cannot be true" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey disbelief or contradiction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though perhaps less desirable in formal writing where more nuanced rebuttals are required. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its prevalence in News & Media and Science sources. Related phrases offer alternative ways to express skepticism, like "that's not possible" or "that's unbelievable". When using "this cannot be true", ensure the context clearly identifies the statement you're questioning and consider the formality of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there's no way that's true

A more emphatic way of expressing disbelief or impossibility.

that's not possible

Expresses impossibility directly, focusing on the lack of feasibility.

that's unbelievable

Highlights the difficulty in believing the statement due to its improbability.

that's hard to believe

Similar to "that's unbelievable", but emphasizes the personal struggle to accept the information.

that seems unlikely

Suggests a low probability of the statement being accurate.

i find that hard to accept

Highlights the speaker's difficulty in agreeing with the statement.

that defies belief

Indicates the statement is so extraordinary it's nearly impossible to accept.

that's questionable

Indicates doubt about the validity or accuracy of the statement.

i doubt that's the case

Expresses skepticism about the situation or condition described.

i refuse to believe that

Expresses a strong unwillingness to accept the statement as true.

FAQs

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

Use "this cannot be true" to express disbelief or contradiction. For example: "The report claims sales increased by 500%, but "this cannot be true" given our limited marketing budget."

What phrases are similar to "this cannot be true"?

Alternatives include "that's not possible", "that's unbelievable", or "that seems unlikely" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "this cannot be true" grammatically correct?

Yes, "this cannot be true" is grammatically sound and widely accepted in both spoken and written English.

When should I avoid using "this cannot be true"?

While generally acceptable, consider more formal alternatives in academic or professional writing where a direct, evidence-based rebuttal might be more appropriate. For instance, instead of "this cannot be true", use "the data contradicts this claim".