we cannot protect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we cannot protect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing limitations in safeguarding or defending something or someone. Example: "In this situation, we cannot protect the data from unauthorized access."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

We cannot protect ourselves.

The Guardian

"We cannot protect every hotel," he said.

The New York Times

We cannot protect against unsafe medicine, we cannot protect the environment.

The Washington Post

"When the men with guns come, we cannot protect them".

The New York Times

We cannot protect them from afar, from Washington or London.

The New York Times

But we cannot protect people who have paid public officials.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

The fact is, that we are never really safe and we simply cannot protect ourselves completely in a free and open society from those willing to commit suicide for a cause.

HuffPost

We can never fully control the ocean and we certainly cannot protect everywhere so key infrastructure needs to be protected fully but in other areas we have to accept that we need to adapt to the ocean not confront it.

The Guardian

But he said: "We just cannot protect every building". Cdr Broadhurst had a message for those who had caused trouble on Saturday: "You haven't got away with it.

BBC

It has been bemoaned that we live in a society where parents swoop in to save their children from difficulty or failure, but as military parents we often cannot "protect" our children in bubble-wrap.

Huffington Post

We in the Northwest cannot protect ourselves from a crisis we did not cause and a deregulation experiment we did not want.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we cannot protect", clearly specify what or whom you are unable to protect to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "We cannot protect," say "We cannot protect the environment without significant policy changes."

Common error

Avoid using "we cannot protect" when a more nuanced statement about risk mitigation is appropriate. For example, instead of "We cannot protect against all cyber threats," consider "We can mitigate the risk of cyber threats through robust security measures."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we cannot protect" typically functions as a declarative statement expressing an inability or limitation in providing security or defense. Ludwig shows examples ranging from physical protection to safeguarding abstract concepts. The statement usually sets a boundary or acknowledges a constraint.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we cannot protect" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to denote an inability to safeguard or defend. As Ludwig AI shows, its usage is widespread across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and business. The phrase serves to inform, warn, or justify decisions related to resource allocation and policy. While grammatically straightforward, it's important to provide context and specificity to avoid ambiguity. Common errors include overstating inability when risk mitigation is possible. Alternatives include "we are unable to defend" and "we lack the means to secure", offering subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are unable to defend

Focuses on the lack of ability to provide defense.

we are incapable of safeguarding

Emphasizes the incapacity to ensure safety or preservation.

we lack the means to secure

Highlights the absence of resources or methods for securing something.

we are powerless to shield

Suggests a lack of influence or strength to provide protection.

we have no way to guard

Indicates the absence of a method or strategy for guarding something.

protection is beyond our capabilities

Highlights limitations and overreach of capabilities.

it is impossible for us to defend

Expresses impossibility and defense.

we cannot ensure the safety of

Shifts focus to ensuring safety rather than direct protection.

we are not in a position to safeguard

Focuses on lacking a sufficient position or situation to protect.

we can't guarantee the security of

Highlights the inability to provide a security assurance.

FAQs

What does "we cannot protect" mean?

The phrase "we cannot protect" means that there is an inability or lack of means to safeguard or defend someone or something from harm or danger. It indicates a limitation in providing security or ensuring safety.

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

You can use "we cannot protect" to express the inability to prevent harm or damage. For example: "We cannot protect our borders without additional resources." or "We cannot protect the public while sustaining losses in police numbers."

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

You can use alternatives like "we are unable to defend", "we are incapable of safeguarding", or "we lack the means to secure" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "we cannot protect" versus "we can try to protect"?

"We cannot protect" should be used when there is a definitive lack of capability or resources to provide security. "We can try to protect" is appropriate when there is an attempt to offer some level of security, even if it is not guaranteed or complete.