we cannot confirm

USAGE SUMMARY

"we cannot confirm" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to express that you or someone else cannot be certain of something. For example: "We cannot confirm the accuracy of this report until we receive further verification."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"We cannot confirm that.

The New York Times

We cannot confirm this.

The Guardian

Again, we cannot confirm this.

The Guardian

"We cannot confirm the suspect is dead".

The New Yorker

"We cannot confirm," an official insisted.

The New York Times

We cannot confirm this at this point.

The Guardian

"Until then we cannot confirm her identity or nationality".

The Guardian

We cannot confirm the details at present," Kenyatta said.

The Guardian

"Sorry, but we cannot confirm or deny," he said.

The New York Times

Therefore we cannot confirm if the video is genuine.

The Guardian

"We cannot confirm that it is from the black box".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we cannot confirm" when you genuinely lack the information or evidence to verify a statement. Avoid using it as a way to deflect or avoid answering a direct question.

Common error

Be aware that saying "we cannot confirm" does not automatically mean something is false. It simply indicates a lack of ability to verify the information, which may later be proven true or false.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we cannot confirm" primarily functions as a declarative statement indicating an inability to verify or validate information. Ludwig AI identifies this usage across a diverse range of sources, from news articles to scientific papers, as shown in the examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we cannot confirm" is a commonly used phrase to express an inability to verify information due to a lack of evidence. Ludwig AI analysis indicates its usage spans across various contexts like News & Media and Science, maintaining a neutral to formal tone. While grammatically correct, it's crucial to use this phrase accurately, understanding it doesn't equate to a denial but rather a statement of uncertainty. When seeking alternatives, consider phrases such as "we are unable to verify" or "we have no confirmation" to convey a similar meaning. Misusing the phrase could lead to misunderstandings, so clarity and precision are key. Ludwig's analysis confirms its widespread applicability and grammatical correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are unable to verify

Replaces "confirm" with "verify" and uses "unable" instead of "cannot", slightly changing the tone to a more formal expression of inability.

we cannot validate

Substitutes "confirm" with "validate", implying a lack of proof or supporting evidence.

we have no confirmation

Restructures the sentence to focus on the absence of confirmation rather than the action of confirming.

we are not in a position to confirm

Indicates a situational inability to confirm, often due to a lack of information or authority.

we can neither confirm nor deny

Presents a dual inability to either confirm or deny, often used in response to sensitive or confidential matters.

the information is unconfirmed

Shifts the focus to the state of the information itself, highlighting its lack of verification.

the reports are unverified

Specifically addresses reports and their lack of verification, suggesting caution in their interpretation.

details remain uncertain

Emphasizes the uncertainty surrounding the details, indicating a lack of concrete information.

this remains to be seen

Expresses that the truth or outcome is yet to be determined, implying a future need for confirmation.

we lack sufficient data to confirm

Highlights the absence of adequate data as the reason for not being able to confirm something.

FAQs

What does "we cannot confirm" mean?

The phrase "we cannot confirm" means that there is not enough information to verify or validate a statement. It doesn't mean something is false, just that its accuracy is currently unknown.

What can I say instead of "we cannot confirm"?

You can use alternatives like "we are unable to verify", "we cannot validate", or "we have no confirmation" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "we cannot confirm" or "we deny"?

The choice depends on the situation. "We cannot confirm" indicates a lack of verification, while "we deny" is a direct statement that something is untrue. Use "we cannot confirm" if you lack sufficient information and "we deny" if you have evidence against the statement.

When is it appropriate to use "we cannot confirm"?

It's appropriate to use "we cannot confirm" when you are asked about something, but you lack the necessary information to verify its truthfulness. It's often used in professional or official settings where accuracy is paramount.