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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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I'm not able to

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"I'm not able to".

News & Media

The New York Times

I'm not able to talk to you".

News & Media

The New York Times

"That I'm not able to see this.

But I'm not able to grow a full beard yet.

News & Media

The New York Times

Tell him: "I'm not able to donate now".

News & Media

The New York Times

"I'm not able to do what needs to be done".

News & Media

The New York Times

"I'm not able to comment further," Williamson said.

News & Media

The New York Times

I'm not able to understand why you don't do that".

News & Media

The New York Times

"Things that I'm not able to do, she does".

News & Media

The New York Times

I'm just kind of slow, and I'm not able to be aggressive.

"I've had grandfathers, grandmothers, uncles, aunties, cousins, but I'm not able to be their relative.

News & Media

Independent
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair this phrase with a specific reason to provide clarity and maintain rapport in business communications.

Common error

Avoid using "I'm not able to" when the actual reason is a lack of permission. In cases of rules or regulations, "I'm not allowed to" or "I'm not permitted to" is more accurate.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

97%

Authority and reliability

4.9/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I'm not able to" functions as a negative construction of the adjective 'able' used with the copular verb 'to be' and the to-infinitive marker. In the corpus analyzed by Ludwig, it serves as a periphrastic modal, performing the same role as the modal verb 'cannot' but allowing for more nuanced tense marking and register shifts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Social Media

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I'm not able to" is a highly versatile and grammatically robust phrase used across a vast spectrum of English discourse. Ludwig AI data reveals its dominance in News & Media, where it is used to report on both personal struggles and official limitations. It offers a slightly softer and more professional alternative to "I can't", making it ideal for business and formal correspondence. Whether used in a scientific study to describe a patient's limitations or in a press release to manage public expectations, the phrase remains a standard and reliable choice for any writer.

FAQs

How do I use "I'm not able to" in a sentence?

You can use it followed by a verb in the infinitive form, such as in the example: "I'm sorry, but "I'm not able to" attend the meeting today."

What is a more formal alternative to "I'm not able to"?

For formal writing, you can use "I am unable to" or "I cannot".

What's the difference between "I'm not able to" and "I can't"?

While they share the same meaning, "I can't" is more casual and direct, whereas "I'm not able to" often sounds slightly more softened and professional.

Is it correct to say "I'm not able to" for rules?

It is common, but technically ""I'm not allowed to"" is more precise if the restriction is based on authority rather than physical or mental ability.

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Source & Trust

97%

Authority and reliability

4.9/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: