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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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this cannot wait

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this cannot wait" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express urgency or the need for immediate attention to a matter. Example: "I need to speak with you about the project; this cannot wait."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

This cannot wait until the contract is re-tendered in 2018.

News & Media

Independent

This cannot wait another year.

News & Media

Huffington Post

"This cannot wait.

News & Media

The Guardian

It is suggested in several circumstances that this cannot wait for the design, execution, and conduct of rigorous RCTs.

"This cannot wait for a Law Commission review that doesn't report until 2017, the government should make these changes before the next general election".

News & Media

BBC

"Obviously this cannot wait," Cisneros said.

News & Media

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

This I cannot wait to see.

If it stays like this, people cannot wait it out.

News & Media

The Guardian

This change cannot wait for thousands, or even hundreds, of years.

That would create a meaningful challenger for Google--something this author cannot wait to see.

News & Media

Forbes

Backdrop World Polio Day is slated for October 24th but I think this stroll cannot wait till then.

News & Media

Huffington Post
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this cannot wait" to emphasize the urgency of a situation, particularly when requesting immediate action or highlighting the importance of a decision.

Common error

Avoid using "this cannot wait" too frequently, as it can lose its impact. Instead, vary your language with synonyms like "this is urgent" or "immediate action needed" to maintain emphasis.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

86%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this cannot wait" functions as an emphatic declaration, underscoring the critical need for immediate attention or action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and it's used to highlight urgency in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this cannot wait" is a grammatically sound and effective way to communicate urgency. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides examples across news, academic, and scientific domains. While relatively uncommon, its directness makes it suitable for professional and neutral contexts. For alternative phrasing, consider "this is urgent" or "immediate action required". Remember to use the phrase sparingly to maintain its impact.

FAQs

What does "this cannot wait" mean?

The phrase "this cannot wait" means that something is so urgent or important that it requires immediate attention and cannot be delayed.

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

It's appropriate to use "this cannot wait" when emphasizing the urgency of a situation and the need for immediate action or decision. It is often used in formal and professional settings, as well as in news and media.

What are some alternatives to "this cannot wait"?

You can use alternatives such as "this is urgent", "immediate action required", or "there's no time to lose", depending on the specific context.

Is "this cannot wait" grammatically correct?

Yes, "this cannot wait" is grammatically correct. It follows standard English sentence structure and is commonly used to express urgency.

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Source & Trust

86%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: