we cannot perform

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we cannot perform" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating an inability to carry out a task or action. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, we cannot perform the scheduled maintenance this week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

"We cannot perform miracles," Mr. Riedel says.

The New York Times - Food

If we cannot perform, these supporters can become our opponents.

The New Yorker

If we cannot perform the work, we will cancel your request, the status will change to "Canceled," and you will receive an email with an explanation.

Columbia University

The WPLI-debiased method outputs a single value for a given trial set and thus, we cannot perform a traditional statistics to test whether there is a difference in WPLI-debiased coherence between the baseline and delay period of a single channel pair.

Nature

"We cannot perform on special teams like that again and expect to win again, and it's that simple," said Fassel, whose Giants had a punt blocked, two punts returned deep into their territory and a 67-yard punt return of their own nullified by a holding penalty.

The New York Times - Sports

That is to say, we cannot perform a prompt treatment at an early stage.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

"Further, we believe IBP cannot perform under the merger agreement".

The New York Times

Whereas we are not able to duplicate here the exact conditions in UHV, because we at this stage cannot perform van der Pauw measurements in UHV, we prepare the vacuum H termination samples in a manner that permits dosing a nominally clean surface with clean H, as an intermediate step to the ultimate.

Nanoscale Research Letters

"We believe that Geoff Marcy cannot perform the functions of a faculty member". This piece has been updated to reflect that Geoffrey Marcy has resigned his position.

HuffPost

Therefore we propose that programmes that cannot perform confirmatory testing should repeat weakly reactive test results, and if confirmed interpret such reactions as an indeterminate rather than positive result, except in blood donor screening when a weak reaction should be considered as positive.

Plosone

JIDDA, Saudi Arabia — They cannot perform in public.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we cannot perform", clearly state the reason for the inability to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "We cannot perform the analysis", specify "We cannot perform the analysis due to insufficient data".

Common error

Avoid using "we cannot perform" when a task is simply difficult or challenging, but still possible. Instead, use phrases that reflect the degree of difficulty, such as "it will be challenging to perform" or "it may be difficult for us to perform".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we cannot perform" serves as a declarative statement expressing an inability to execute a task or action. Ludwig AI's analysis, supported by numerous examples, demonstrates the phrase's utility in conveying limitations across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we cannot perform" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate an inability to carry out a task. As supported by Ludwig AI, this phrase is suitable across diverse contexts, from scientific research to news reporting and business communications. While "we cannot perform" maintains a neutral to professional tone, alternatives like "we are unable to perform" or "it is impossible for us to perform" may offer a slightly more formal approach. The analysis suggests that when using this phrase, clearly specifying the reason for the inability enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are unable to perform

Replaces "cannot" with "are unable to", emphasizing a lack of capability.

we are not capable of performing

Highlights a lack of inherent capacity or skill to execute the action.

it is impossible for us to perform

Indicates the action is not feasible under any circumstances.

we lack the ability to perform

Focuses on the absence of the necessary skill or resources.

we are restricted from performing

Suggests an external constraint preventing the action.

we are not permitted to perform

Highlights a lack of authorization or permission.

we are in no position to perform

Emphasizes unfavorable circumstances hindering the action.

we are not equipped to perform

Points out a deficiency in necessary tools or equipment.

we are not authorized to perform

Indicates a lack of official approval or mandate.

we are precluded from performing

Suggests a legal or formal barrier preventing the action.

FAQs

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

Use "we cannot perform" to express an inability to carry out a specific action or task. For example, "Due to technical difficulties, "we cannot perform" the scheduled maintenance today".

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

You can use alternatives like "we are unable to perform", "it is impossible for us to perform", or "we lack the ability to perform" depending on the context.

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

Both ""we cannot perform"" and "we can't perform" are grammatically correct. "We cannot perform" is more formal, while "we can't perform" is more informal but often used in everyday conversation and writing.

What's the difference between "we cannot perform" and "we will not perform"?

"We cannot perform" indicates an inability to do something, while "we will not perform" signifies a choice or refusal to do something. The former is about capability, the latter is about intention.