are less capable of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are less capable of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is especially useful when expressing the idea that one thing is less capable of doing something than another. For example, "Humans are less capable of seeing in the dark than cats."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Others have extended lifetimes but are less capable of logic operation.

Yale University

But the fact is, many Western expatriates are less capable of escape than they like to believe.

The New York Times

"We don't see any evidence that young people are less capable of voting or less interested in taking part.

The Guardian

On the hook for Bradley's millions, they are less capable of pursuing that outfield bat and filling some bullpen holes.

The New York Times - Sports

"As this law demonstrates," wrote one on CNet, "few groups are less capable of understanding best security practices than small-town politicians".

The New York Times

Smaller pixels are less capable of capturing light, and when pictures are reconstituted, the smaller pixels contribute to a grainy effect.

The New York Times

First, since Cameroon's annual temperatures are confined to a small range, the biological systems are less capable of adapting to changes that modify the range.

The Guardian

Under conditions of deindividuation, attention is therefore drawn away from the self, and people are less capable of monitoring their behaviour in relation to internal norms and standards.

Britannica

"Now we are getting to the point with this inflation number, even those with jobs are less capable of driving economic activity".

The New York Times

The problem is that the service companies are less capable of investing for the long term, because their balance sheets tend to be weaker than the majors'.

The Economist

As old problems become well-investigated and mature, and old tools are less capable of producing exciting advances, it would be time for a renewal.

Chemical Engineering Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Prefer "are less capable of" over simpler alternatives when you want to convey a nuanced sense of reduced ability rather than complete inability.

Common error

Avoid constructing sentences where the subject performing the action is obscure or missing. A clear subject enhances the sentence's impact and clarity; ensure the subject is actively influencing the outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are less capable of" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, indicating a diminished capacity or ability in relation to something else. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

42%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Unknown/unmatched sources

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are less capable of" is a versatile and grammatically correct way to express a reduced ability or capacity. Ludwig AI confirms this, showcasing its frequent use across diverse contexts, particularly in scientific and news-related domains. When using this phrase, be sure to specify the context and avoid passive voice constructions for maximum clarity. Alternatives like "are not as able to" or "have diminished capacity for" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. This phrase is a common expression with an authoritative tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are not as able to

Emphasizes a direct comparison of ability, highlighting a deficiency in one subject compared to another.

have diminished capacity for

Focuses on the reduced potential or ability to perform a specific task or function.

are not equipped to

Stresses the lack of necessary resources or qualities required for a particular action.

are ill-prepared for

Highlights a lack of readiness or suitability for a given situation or task.

are at a disadvantage in

Indicates a weaker position or less favorable circumstances compared to others.

struggle with

Suggests difficulty or effort required to perform a task, indicating a reduced level of competence.

find it harder to

Emphasizes the increased difficulty experienced when attempting a specific action.

are deficient in

Highlights a lack of essential qualities or skills necessary for a particular task.

are limited in their ability to

Focuses on the constraints or restrictions affecting one's capacity to perform.

lack the skill to

Directly points out the absence of necessary skill to do something.

FAQs

How can I use "are less capable of" in a sentence?

Use "are less capable of" to indicate a diminished ability or capacity compared to something else. For example, "Older computers "are less capable of" running modern software than newer models".

What are some alternatives to "are less capable of"?

Alternatives include "are not as able to", "have diminished capacity for", or "struggle with". Choose the alternative that best fits the specific context.

Is it better to say "are less capable of" or "cannot"?

"Are less capable of" suggests a reduced ability, while "cannot" indicates a complete inability. The choice depends on the degree of limitation you want to convey.

What's the difference between "are less capable of" and "are not as good at"?

"Are less capable of" implies a general reduction in ability or capacity, while "are not as good at" focuses on performance in a specific skill or task. The former is broader, while the latter is more specific.