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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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am not capable

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "am not capable" is not correct in standard written English.
It should be used as part of a complete sentence, typically with a subject such as "I" or "we." Example: "I am not capable of completing this task alone."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

She knows I am not capable of rape.

News & Media

Independent

In all the ways in which I am not capable or grounded or calm, she is.

"I have been charged with offenses that I did not commit and am not capable of committing," he said.

News & Media

The New York Times

Smith added: "I don't feel the new presenters are doing anything that I am not capable of".

News & Media

The Guardian

Smith told the tribunal: "I don't feel the new presenters are doing anything that I am not capable of".

News & Media

The Guardian

When I am submissive and modest, I feel surrounded by someone who makes me do things of which I am not capable".

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Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

"He's not capable.

News & Media

The New York Times

Romantic love is not capable of everything.

News & Media

The New York Times

Maybe we're not capable of this.

News & Media

The New Yorker

My son was not capable of this.

News & Media

Independent

He's not capable of murder.

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always include a subject (e.g., "I", "he", "she", "they") before "am not capable" to form a grammatically complete sentence. For example, instead of just writing "am not capable", write "I am not capable of doing that".

Common error

Avoid using "am not capable" without a subject. This phrase is incomplete and ungrammatical on its own. Remember to specify who or what is not capable.

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

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

88%

Authority and reliability

3.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "am not capable" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a state of lacking ability or competence. As Ludwig AI points out, it requires a subject to form a complete and grammatically correct sentence. The examples provided in Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts, such as expressing personal limitations or assessing someone else's abilities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "am not capable" expresses a lack of ability or competence. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase requires a subject to be grammatically correct, such as "I am not capable." The examples from Ludwig demonstrate its usage across various contexts, primarily in news and media and scientific articles. To ensure clarity and grammatical correctness, always include a subject when using this phrase. Alternatives like "I am unable to" or "I lack the ability" can also be used to convey a similar meaning.

FAQs

How to use "am not capable" in a sentence?

Always include a subject before "am not capable" to form a complete sentence. For example: "I am not capable of completing this task alone."

What can I say instead of "am not capable"?

Consider alternatives like "I am unable to", "I lack the ability", or "I am not competent", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "am not capable" or "I am not capable"?

"I am not capable" is grammatically correct, as it includes the necessary subject. "Am not capable" is an incomplete phrase.

What's the difference between "I am not capable" and "I cannot"?

"I am not capable" and "I cannot" are similar in meaning, both expressing an inability. "I cannot" is often more direct, while "I am not capable" can sometimes imply a lack of skill or qualification.

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Source & Trust

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Authority and reliability

3.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: