we cannot accommodate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we cannot accommodate" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express the inability to meet a request or need, often in a formal or professional context. Example: "Unfortunately, due to scheduling conflicts, we cannot accommodate your request for a meeting next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Due to building security, we cannot accommodate walk-in visitors.

Yale University

"We have never encountered a request that we cannot accommodate," Melissa Mattia said.

The New York Times

He said: "We cannot accommodate so many refugees in Europe, that's not possible".

Independent

Sorry, but we cannot accommodate any extras, as our guest list is very tight.

The New York Times

We cannot accommodate every student, therefore housing is not guaranteed to all that apply.

Cornell University

We apologize in advance to anyone whose schedules we cannot accommodate.

Princeton University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

"We simply cannot accommodate all of the eligible students," Siporin said, "and we cannot increase the size of the campus, so everybody is angry.

Los Angeles Times

If you have not already registered for the conference, we unfortunately cannot accommodate you.

Stanford University

Due to the nature of the class visit program, we unfortunately cannot accommodate day-of, walk-in registration.

Columbia University

Should students apply that the Institute cannot accommodate, we urge Admissions to keep in touch with all applicants and ensure that their education continues elsewhere.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Because the bathroom (which we will get to) cannot accommodate its own sink.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we cannot accommodate", clearly state the reason for the inability to avoid ambiguity and maintain transparency. For example, "Due to limited seating, we cannot accommodate walk-in visitors".

Common error

Avoid implying flexibility if "we cannot accommodate" specific requests. Instead, be upfront about limitations to manage expectations effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we cannot accommodate" functions as a polite and professional way to decline a request or state an inability to fulfill certain needs. It is a declarative statement that expresses a limitation, commonly used in formal communication. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is widely usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Academia

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we cannot accommodate" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to politely decline a request or express an inability to fulfill a specific need. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It's prevalent in academic, news, and formal business settings. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by providing a reason for the limitation to maintain transparency and manage expectations. Related phrases include alternatives such as "we are unable to provide" or "we cannot grant".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are unable to provide

Replaces "accommodate" with "provide", focusing on the act of supplying something.

we are unable to fulfill

Substitutes "accommodate" with "fulfill", highlighting the inability to meet a need or expectation.

we are unable to meet

Replaces "accommodate" with "meet", emphasizing the inability to satisfy a requirement.

we cannot grant

Substitutes "accommodate" with "grant", focusing on the inability to approve or allow something.

we cannot satisfy

Replaces "accommodate" with "satisfy", highlighting the inability to meet a demand.

we are not in a position to offer

Replaces the entire phrase with a more formal expression of inability.

we are unable to supply

Emphasizes the lack of resources or capacity to furnish something.

we have no capacity for

Highlights the lack of space or resources to handle something.

our resources do not allow

Indicates limitations in available resources prevent fulfilling a request.

we are booked to capacity

Highlights that there are no free slots, all reserved.

FAQs

How can I use "we cannot accommodate" in a sentence?

This phrase is typically used to politely decline a request due to limitations. For example, "We cannot accommodate any more guests at the wedding due to space constraints."

What's a more formal way to say "we cannot accommodate"?

You could use phrases like "we are unable to fulfill" or "we are unable to meet" to convey a similar meaning in a more formal tone.

Is it rude to use "we cannot accommodate"?

No, it is not inherently rude. However, providing a clear and polite explanation for why you "cannot grant" the request is essential to avoid causing offense.

What's the difference between "we cannot accommodate" and "we do not allow"?

"We cannot accommodate" implies a limitation or inability to fulfill a request, while "we do not allow" suggests a policy or rule that prohibits something. The first is about feasibility, the second about permissibility.