we cannot secure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we cannot secure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the inability to obtain, guarantee, or ensure something. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, we cannot secure the necessary funding for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

We cannot secure a sustainable future for our planet without working together.

The Guardian

We face closure tomorrow if we cannot secure funding by tomorrow morning".

The Guardian

"Our future development is inconceivable if we cannot secure our own food resources," says Fahad Ben Mohammed al-Attiya, head of the Qatar National Food Security Programme (QNFSP).

The Guardian

"One has to be honest about this; there is no harm in saying frankly, 'We cannot secure those polling centers.' " Last year, in many cases, provincial officials — including even election officials and the police — were found to be complicit in carrying out much of the fraud.

The New York Times

Now let me be clear: no nation can ever have a veto over American security, even if the United States and Russia cannot reach agreement; even if we cannot secure the support of our allies at first; even if we conclude that the Chinese will respond to N.M.D. by increasing their arsenal of nuclear weapons substantially with a corollary inevitable impact in India and then in Pakistan.

The New York Times

"Even with action now to kick-start the recovery alongside a balanced plan for deficit reduction, we cannot secure Britain's long-term future unless we fundamentally reform the way our economy works," he added.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

But we know our mineral resources cannot secure enduring prosperity.

The Economist

"They cannot secure it".

The New York Times

"The American military cannot secure the peace for that country".

The New York Times

On the other hand, his loyal supporter, PML (Q), almost certainly cannot secure a majority either.

The Economist

And while the quota guarantees a degree of distribution, it cannot secure audiences.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we cannot secure", consider the specific context to determine if a more precise verb like "guarantee", "ensure", or "protect" would be more appropriate. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "we cannot secure" in contexts where a more direct verb would be clearer. For instance, instead of saying "we cannot secure understanding", consider "we cannot ensure understanding" or "we cannot guarantee understanding".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we cannot secure" primarily functions as a statement of inability or limitation. It expresses that the speaker or group is unable to guarantee, obtain, or protect something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we cannot secure" is a grammatically correct and neutrally-toned way to express an inability to guarantee, obtain, or protect something. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its acceptability. While not extremely frequent, it appears in a variety of contexts, particularly in news, science, and business. When using the phrase, it is wise to consider whether there is a more precise term, as this enhances clarity and ensures the message is clear. Alternatives like "we are unable to guarantee" or "we cannot assure" are often suitable substitutes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are not able to ensure

A slightly more formal way of expressing the inability to ensure.

we cannot assure

Focuses on the inability to provide assurance or confidence about something.

we are unable to guarantee

Emphasizes the inability to provide a guarantee, suggesting a slightly more formal tone.

we are not in a position to ensure

Highlights a lack of capacity or authority to ensure a particular outcome.

it is not possible for us to secure

Emphasizes the impossibility of securing something, often due to external factors.

it is beyond our power to guarantee

Indicates a limitation of power or control, making it impossible to guarantee something.

we lack the capacity to ensure

Focuses on the absence of necessary resources or capabilities to ensure something.

we are unable to protect

Highlights the inability to safeguard or defend something or someone.

we are not able to safeguard

A different way to affirm that we are unable to defend something.

we are unable to attain

Highlights that we are not in the conditions to reach a certain goal.

FAQs

What does "we cannot secure" mean?

The phrase "we cannot secure" indicates an inability to obtain, guarantee, or ensure something. It suggests a lack of control or resources to achieve a desired outcome.

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

You can use "we cannot secure" to express limitations or inability. For example: "We cannot secure funding for the project this year", or "We cannot secure the border without additional resources."

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

You can use alternatives like "we are unable to guarantee", "we cannot assure", or "we are not able to ensure" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "we cannot secure" or "we cannot ensure"?

Both "we cannot secure" and "we cannot ensure" are correct, but their suitability depends on the context. "Secure" implies obtaining or making something safe, while "ensure" means guaranteeing a specific outcome.