we cannot yet

USAGE SUMMARY

"we cannot yet" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when something is not possible at the present time, but may be possible in the future. For example: "We cannot yet be sure what the outcome of the election will be."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We cannot yet measure our success.

The Guardian

We walk into that which we cannot yet see.

The New York Times

We cannot yet confirm all persons are accounted for.

Independent

We cannot yet be certain if the strike was successful.

Independent

We cannot yet know whether that will be the case.

The New York Times - Books

We cannot yet recover many materials, including a number of rare earth metals.

Harvard Business Review

"We cannot yet make any claims, although we are aware of claims in Europe," he said.

The New York Times

We cannot yet get consolation from signs of an upturn in economic activity.

The Economist

I have to caution you that we cannot yet say what caused the loss of Columbia.

The New York Times

This will clearly become a problem, although we cannot yet measure its impact.

The New York Times

"We cannot yet say that the N.P.D. is not dangerous, because this weakness is not lasting".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we cannot yet", consider adding context about potential future advancements or developments that might change the situation. This provides a more complete and forward-looking perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "we cannot yet" when the limitation is likely permanent or based on fundamental constraints. It implies a potential for future change, which might be misleading if the situation is unlikely to improve.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we cannot yet" functions as a qualifying statement, expressing a present inability or lack of knowledge while implying a potential for future change or progress. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is usable in written English to express that something is not possible at the present time, but may be possible in the future.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

34%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we cannot yet" is a versatile phrase used to express current limitations with an implied possibility of future change. It is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English. The phrase functions as a qualifying statement, conveying honesty and transparency while maintaining optimism. While appropriate for formal writing, it's important to use it accurately, avoiding overstatements about limitations likely to be permanent. Consider the context and potential for future developments when incorporating this phrase into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are not yet able to

Focuses on the inability to perform an action at the current time.

we have not yet been able to

Emphasizes the lack of success in achieving something up to the present.

it is not yet possible for us to

Highlights the current impossibility of a specific action or outcome.

we are currently unable to

Indicates a present inability without necessarily implying future possibility.

at this time, we cannot

Specifies the present moment as the period of inability.

as of now, we are unable to

Similar to 'at this time', emphasizing the present status.

we don't yet have the capacity to

Focuses on the lack of current capabilities or resources.

we are still unable to

Highlights the continued lack of ability.

the means to... are not yet available

Emphasizes that the resources or methods required are not currently accessible.

we've yet to achieve

Highlights that something has not been accomplished up to the present moment.

FAQs

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

You can use "we cannot yet" to indicate a current inability or lack of knowledge with the implication that this may change in the future. For example, "We cannot yet confirm all persons are accounted for."

What are some alternatives to "we cannot yet"?

Alternatives include phrases like "we are not yet able to", "we are currently unable to", or "it is not yet possible for us to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "we cannot yet" in formal writing?

Yes, "we cannot yet" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in scientific, technical, or business contexts where it's common to discuss current limitations and potential future developments. It is neutral and professional.

What's the difference between "we cannot yet" and "we cannot ever"?

"We cannot yet" implies a temporary limitation, suggesting that future developments may change the situation. "We cannot ever", on the other hand, suggests a permanent impossibility.