we cannot identify

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we cannot identify" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing an inability to recognize or determine something, often in a formal or analytical context. Example: "After reviewing the data, we cannot identify the source of the error in the report."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But we cannot identify with people to whom we haven't been introduced.

The Guardian - Books

"It's risk reduction, short term, for a subset of women we cannot identify".

The New York Times - Health

"We have found some remains we cannot identify at this point.

The New York Times

Even if we cannot identify Jezebel, God must know who she is.

The New York Times

For obvious reasons, we cannot identify the specific business or owner.

The New York Times

Once coffee was a black and white issue, but nowadays we feel ashamed if we cannot identify a skinny-soy macchiato.

The Guardian

So we cannot identify the content of the law without resort to evaluative reasoning.

SEP

Unfortunately, we cannot identify which household heads work in the financial industry in the SCF data.

SERIEs

Moreover, we cannot identify any challenges reported in these two studies.

Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning

We cannot identify the pathophysiological or environmental processes that would explain the microbial findings.

Annals of Intensive Care

We cannot identify any smaller moiety than the atoms and bonds in a single reduced component.

Journal of Cheminformatics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we cannot identify", ensure the subject of identification is clearly stated to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify what you are unable to identify: "We cannot identify the specific strain of bacteria."

Common error

Avoid using "we cannot identify" to imply absolute certainty when the inability to identify may be due to limitations in the current data or methodology. Instead, acknowledge the possibility of future identification with improved resources.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "we cannot identify" is to express a lack of ability or capacity to recognize, determine, or ascertain something. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples across various domains, confirming its role in conveying limitations in knowledge or investigative capabilities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we cannot identify" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express the inability to recognize or determine something. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples across various contexts, including science, news, and formal business settings. While it is generally acceptable, the level of formality can vary. Related phrases include "we are unable to determine" and "we fail to recognize". When using the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what cannot be identified and avoiding overstatements of certainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are unable to determine

Replaces "cannot" with "are unable to", providing a slightly more formal tone.

we are not able to identify

Similar to the above, explicitly states the lack of ability.

we fail to recognize

Emphasizes the failure to recognize something, implying a lack of success.

we cannot ascertain

Uses "ascertain" instead of "identify", suggesting a more thorough investigation is needed.

we are in the dark about

Expresses a lack of knowledge or understanding, using a more figurative expression.

it is beyond our capacity to identify

Highlights the limits of ability to identify something.

we have no way of identifying

Focuses on the absence of a method or means for identification.

identification is not possible

Shifts the focus to the impossibility of identification, rather than the actor.

we have been unable to identify

Emphasizes that the lack of identification is a current state.

the source remains unidentified

Focuses on the object that isn't identified, rather than the actor performing the action of identifying.

FAQs

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

Use "we cannot identify" to express an inability to recognize, determine, or ascertain something due to lack of information or resources. For example, "We cannot identify the cause of the error" or "We cannot identify the suspect in the photograph".

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

You can use alternatives like "we are unable to determine", "we fail to recognize", or "we cannot ascertain", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "we cannot identify" or "we can't identify"?

"We cannot identify" and "we can't identify" are both grammatically correct, but "we cannot identify" is more formal, suitable for academic or professional writing, while "we can't identify" is a contraction and is appropriate for informal contexts.

What's the difference between "we cannot identify" and "we cannot determine"?

While both express an inability to find something out, "we cannot identify" implies an inability to recognize something specific, whereas "we cannot determine" suggests an inability to establish something with certainty. Both can be used, but the choice depends on the context.