Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
Not able to perform work
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "Not able to perform work" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is unable to carry out their job or tasks due to various reasons, such as illness or lack of resources. Example: "Due to the ongoing health issues, she is currently not able to perform work effectively."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(3)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
60 human-written examples
The day after the line was supposed to be moved, I received a message from Frontier telling me that they were not able to perform the work.
News & Media
Chuck Wallace, assistant vice president for the employers association in San Francisco, said the test was instituted because of concerns by the union and employers that some dockworkers were not able to perform some longshore work.
News & Media
Could Simon continue working and earning a good wage if he were not able to perform his music or his work?
News & Media
A few adults in the previous studies had a job where the hand injury caused less impairment, but in the typical case, workers were not able to perform their normal tasks at work and were thus granted sick leave.
Science
The question asks: How many times in the last 4 weeks have you: (a) stayed in bed or been absent from work for at least one day due to illness; (b) had reduced working capacity (not able to perform usual functions) and (c) used any kind of medical or traditional treatment.
Science
A limitation is that we were not able to perform more detailed exposure analyses on overtime or shift work due to the small number of T2D cases.
Science
Unfortunately we were not able to perform immunohistochemistry for MT1-MMP and TIMP-2 in the present work.
Science
With shortages of funds to complete its work on the levees, the Army Corps of Engineers was not able to perform necessary repairs.
News & Media
If he was not able to perform, he would not have gone on to the field".
News & Media
"He's unhappy that he's not playing and not able to perform," Leiter said.
News & Media
Functional status is measured at base line, and a person is categorized into working "able to perform usual work in or out of the house"; Ambulatory "able to perform activities of daily living" and Bedridden "not able to perform activities of daily living".
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using the phrase "Not able to perform work", ensure the reason for the inability is clear in the context. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.
Common error
Avoid using "Not able to perform work" without explaining the reason. Being specific (e.g., "Not able to perform work due to illness") provides more helpful information.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "Not able to perform work" functions as a descriptive phrase, indicating an individual's inability to execute job-related duties. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.
Frequent in
Science
0%
News & Media
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Less common in
Science
0%
News & Media
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "Not able to perform work" is a grammatically sound and usable expression for describing an individual's inability to carry out their job duties. As indicated by Ludwig, this phrase is valid in English. Alternative phrases like "unable to work" or "incapable of working" can be used. Usage guidelines emphasize the importance of providing a clear context for the inability. The phrase has a neutral register and is suitable for various contexts, though it is important to consider the audience and level of formality when writing.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
Incapable of working
Focuses specifically on the lack of capacity or ability to engage in work.
Unable to carry out job duties
Highlights the failure to execute specific responsibilities within a job.
Prevented from doing work
Emphasizes external factors hindering the ability to work.
Restricted from performing tasks
Indicates limitations on the ability to execute specific actions.
Not in a condition to work
Refers to the state or circumstances preventing work.
Cannot execute work responsibilities
Highlights the failure to complete duties associated with employment.
Deemed unfit for work
Implies a professional assessment of someone's inability to work.
Ineligible to perform assigned tasks
Suggests formal disqualification or lack of suitability.
Disqualified from working
Emphasizes official prohibition or unsuitability for work.
Incapacitated from performing job functions
Highlights disablement affecting professional activities.
FAQs
How can I rephrase "Not able to perform work"?
You can use alternatives like "unable to work", "incapable of working", or "prevented from doing work" depending on the specific context.
Is it better to say "Not able to perform work" or "Unable to work"?
Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "unable to work" is generally more concise and commonly used. "Not able to perform work" can be more specific when detailing the tasks someone cannot do.
What does it mean to be "Not able to perform work"?
It means an individual is incapable of fulfilling their job duties or work-related tasks due to various reasons, such as health issues, lack of resources, or other limitations.
What are the legal implications of an employee being "Not able to perform work"?
The legal implications depend on the reason for the inability. Issues like sick leave, disability benefits, or workplace accommodations may arise, requiring adherence to labor laws and company policies.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested