we cannot rely

USAGE SUMMARY

"we cannot rely" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that one or more people cannot depend on someone or something. For example: "We cannot rely on the weather forecast in this region - it's usually too inaccurate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, we cannot rely on heroic individuals.

The Guardian

To end early marriage we cannot rely on laws alone.

The Guardian

We cannot rely on the opposition parties, either.

The New Yorker

We cannot rely on public sector solutions exclusively or indefinitely.

Harvard Business Review

We cannot rely solely on the government, parents or educators.

Harvard Business Review

We cannot rely on consumers continually driving down their savings.

The New York Times

If we are to enjoy such debates in the future we cannot rely upon individual sacrifice.

The Guardian

"But we cannot rely on official records to get to the truth," the prefect said.

The New York Times

"We cannot rely on the old traditional courses that we used to offer".

The New York Times

Obviously, we cannot rely on fossil fuel companies to take the initiative to make this transition.

The Guardian - Opinion

What these findings do mean is that we cannot rely on ACT forever.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we cannot rely", ensure the context clearly indicates what is unreliable and why. Providing specific reasons strengthens your argument and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "we cannot rely" without specifying what or whom you are referring to. A vague statement lacks impact and can confuse your audience. Instead, be specific about the object of reliance and the reasons for its unreliability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we cannot rely" functions as a declarative statement expressing a lack of dependence or trust. As Ludwig AI affirms, it is grammatically correct. Its usage suggests a decision not to depend on something or someone, often implying a need for alternative solutions or approaches.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

17%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we cannot rely" is a versatile and frequently used phrase for expressing a lack of dependence or trust. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and professional settings. It's crucial to specify what or whom you're referring to when using this phrase to avoid vagueness and ensure clarity. Alternatives such as "we must not depend on" or "we should not count on" can provide subtle differences in meaning. Remember to provide clear reasoning when stating that "we cannot rely" on something to maximize the impact of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we must not depend on

Replaces "rely" with "depend", emphasizing a lack of dependence.

we can't depend on

Uses "depend" instead of "rely" to convey the same core idea in a more concise manner.

we should not count on

Substitutes "rely" with "count on", suggesting a caution against expecting something.

we are unable to trust

Shifts the focus to an inability to trust, rather than a lack of reliance.

we shouldn't bank on

Replaces "rely" with the more informal "bank on", suggesting a risky expectation.

it is unwise to trust

Shifts from reliance to the wisdom of trusting, implying a risk.

it's imprudent to expect

Highlights the lack of prudence in expecting something.

we ought not to presume

Focuses on avoiding assumptions instead of direct reliance.

it would be foolish to hope

Emphasizes the foolishness of hoping for a particular outcome.

we must seek alternatives

Suggests actively looking for other options because reliance is not possible.

FAQs

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

Use "we cannot rely" to express a lack of dependability on someone or something. For instance, "we cannot rely on the weather forecast in this region" or "we cannot rely on outdated information".

What are some alternatives to "we cannot rely"?

You can use alternatives like "we must not depend on", "we should not count on", or "it is unwise to trust" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "we cannot rely on" or "we cannot depend on"?

Both "we cannot rely on" and "we cannot depend on" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice often depends on personal preference or stylistic considerations.

When is it appropriate to use "we cannot rely" in formal writing?

The phrase "we cannot rely" is appropriate in formal writing when you need to express a lack of confidence or dependability in a specific entity or method. Ensure your reasoning is clear and well-supported.