are incapable of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are incapable of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone is not able to do something due to lack of ability, knowledge, or understanding. Example: Due to their inexperience, the students are incapable of completing the task without help.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

enFeLV are incapable of giving rise to infectious virus particles.

Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology

Muslims are incapable of democracy.

The New York Times

"They are incapable of stopping the violence.

The New York Times

The ctenidia are incapable of filtering.

Encyclopedia Britannica

You are incapable of looking after yourself.

The Guardian

Who says politicians are incapable of honesty?

The Guardian

You are incapable of admitting doubt.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"They are incapable of speaking about it".

The Guardian - Film

Such works are incapable of sustaining a valid copyright.

Harvard University

"Otherwise they are incapable of maintaining an arms industry.

The Washington Post

And most are incapable of democratic self-governance.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are incapable of", ensure the context clearly defines what the subject is unable to do and why. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "are incapable of" when "are unlikely to" or "struggle with" would be more accurate. Overstating limitations can weaken your argument or sound overly negative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are incapable of" functions as a predicate adjective, modifying the subject by describing a state of inability. It is often used to express a fundamental limitation or lack of capacity, as seen in many examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are incapable of" is a versatile phrase used to express a lack of ability or capacity. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct, showing its frequent use across various contexts, including News & Media and Science. When writing, ensure you use it accurately to describe what someone or something cannot do, avoiding overstatements. For simpler expressions, consider alternatives such as "cannot" or "unable to". By understanding its function and usage, you can effectively incorporate "are incapable of" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot

More direct and concise; implies an inability or prohibition.

unable to

A formal synonym, expressing lack of ability or means to do something.

lack the capacity to

Emphasizes the absence of inherent ability or potential.

are not equipped to

Suggests a deficiency in the necessary resources or skills.

are helpless to

Highlights a state of being powerless or without assistance to achieve something.

are powerless to

Emphasizes the lack of authority or strength to influence an outcome.

are unfit for

Suggests a lack of suitability or qualification for a particular purpose.

are deficient in

Indicates a lack of necessary qualities or elements.

fall short of

Indicates a failure to reach a required standard or level.

are inadequate for

Implies insufficiency or unsuitability for a given task or purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "are incapable of" in a sentence?

You can use "are incapable of" to express that someone or something lacks the ability or capacity to perform a specific action. For instance, "They "are incapable of" understanding complex concepts without proper training."

What phrases are similar to "are incapable of"?

Similar phrases include "unable to", "cannot", and "lack the ability to". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "are incapable of" or "cannot"?

"Cannot" is more direct and often preferred for simplicity. "Are incapable of" is more formal and emphasizes the inherent lack of ability. The choice depends on the context and desired tone.

When should I avoid using "are incapable of"?

Avoid using "are incapable of" if a milder expression like "struggle with" or "have difficulty with" is more appropriate. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound overly critical or negative.