also could not

USAGE SUMMARY

"also could not" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to emphasize that someone or something was not able to do something. For example: "The students wanted to take the exam, but they also could not because it had been canceled."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The reports also could not be confirmed.

The New York Times

Mr. Rice also could not be reached.

The New York Times

Mr. Hall also could not work.

The New York Times

Mr. Santos also could not be reached for comment.

The New York Times

Mr. Boccardi also could not be reached for comment.

The New York Times

They also could not give an address for Ms. Dunkan.

The New York Times

He also could not afford to pay trained dancers.

The New Yorker

A spokesman for Hollinger also could not be reached.

The New York Times

He also could not throw his curveball for a strike.

The New York Times - Sports

Columbia also could not simply ignore the man.

The New York Times

He also could not be reached for comment.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "also could not", ensure the context clearly establishes what the subject was initially unable to do, avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid starting a sentence with "also could not" without a preceding statement establishing the initial inability, as this can confuse the reader. Always provide context first.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "also could not" functions as a connector indicating an additional inability or lack of capacity. It often follows a previous statement of inability, showing a parallel or related situation where something was not possible. According to Ludwig, this expression is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

14%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "also could not" is a versatile phrase used to express an additional inability, commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and serves to connect similar instances of impossibility. To enhance your writing, ensure the initial inability is clearly stated before using "also could not" to avoid ambiguity. For more formal writing, consider alternatives like "was also unable to". Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating the phrase's correct usage in diverse scenarios, reinforcing its widespread acceptability and utility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in addition could not

Adds "in addition" to emphasize the additional inability.

too was unable to

Uses "too" instead of "also" with a similar meaning.

was also unable to

Replaces "could not" with "was unable to" maintaining a similar level of formality.

was additionally unable to

Uses "additionally unable" instead of "also could not", maintaining a similar level of formality.

furthermore was not able to

Adds "furthermore" and replaces "could not" with "was not able to", adding emphasis.

nor was able to

Connects two negative statements with "nor", indicating a similar inability.

similarly failed to

Uses "failed to" instead of "could not", implying a lack of success.

equally incapable of

Emphasizes the lack of capability in a more formal way.

likewise was not in a position to

Emphasizes the circumstances preventing the action.

similarly was prevented from

Highlights the impediment to performing the action.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "also could not" to sound more formal?

You can use phrases such as "was also unable to" or "furthermore was not able to". These alternatives, like "furthermore was not able to", add a touch of formality while maintaining the same meaning.

Is there a subtle difference in meaning between "also could not" and "also was not able to"?

While the phrases are largely interchangeable, "also was not able to" might subtly emphasize a lack of capacity or capability, whereas "also could not" is more general. Consider the specific context to choose the most appropriate option. Consider the specific context to choose the most appropriate option.

Can I use "also could not" in both formal and informal writing?

Yes, "also could not" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts due to its neutrality. For more emphasis in formal writing, consider "in addition could not".

What are some common words to use instead of "also" in the phrase "also could not"?

Alternatives to "also" include "similarly", "furthermore", or "likewise". For example, you could say "similarly could not" or "furthermore could not".