are not able to

USAGE SUMMARY

"are not able to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to say that someone is unable to do something. For example: "They are not able to make the deadline for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Many are not able to afford it".

The Guardian

We are not able to eat.

The New York Times

Parents are not able to do it".

The New York Times - Sports

They are not able to save.

The New York Times

They are not able to have both.

The Guardian - Music

Nowadays, societies are not able to live without energy.

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

Students on registration hold are not able to register.

Columbia University

Unfortunately, we are not able to give any extensions.

Columbia University

We are not able to accept international students.

Harvard University

The interpreters are not able to interpret so fast.

Yale University

We are not able to offer prorated billing.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are not able to" when you want to clearly and directly express that someone or something lacks the capacity or opportunity to perform a specific action. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid excessive use of the passive voice when using "are not able to". Instead of saying "Mistakes are not able to be avoided", opt for a more direct and active construction like "You cannot avoid mistakes" or "It's not possible to avoid mistakes".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are not able to" functions as a verbal phrase expressing inability or lack of capacity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Examples show it modifying subjects to indicate what they cannot do.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are not able to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used way to express inability or lack of capacity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and versatility. While suitable for diverse contexts, from academic papers to news reports, considering simpler alternatives like "cannot" or "unable to" can sometimes enhance clarity and conciseness. It's important to avoid overusing the passive voice in conjunction with this phrase. Authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian employ "are not able to", solidifying its acceptability in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot

A more concise and direct way of expressing inability.

unable to

A slightly more formal way to express the same meaning.

incapable of

Emphasizes a lack of inherent capacity.

not in a position to

Indicates inability due to circumstances or situation.

not equipped to

Suggests a lack of necessary resources or skills.

lack the capacity to

Highlights a deficiency in capability.

it's not possible to

Impersonal way to state impossibility.

do not have the ability to

A more verbose but clear way to express lack of ability.

are restricted from

Indicates inability due to external limitations.

prohibited from

Indicates inability due to a formal ban.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "are not able to"?

You can use alternatives like "cannot", "unable to", or "incapable of" depending on the context.

Is "are not able to" formal or informal?

The phrase "are not able to" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, alternatives like "cannot" might be preferred in more informal settings, while "unable to" could be slightly more formal.

How do I use "are not able to" in a sentence?

You can use "are not able to" to indicate a lack of capacity or opportunity. For example, "They are not able to attend the meeting" or "We are not able to provide a refund".

What's the difference between "are not able to" and "cannot"?

While both phrases express inability, "cannot" is a more concise and direct way of saying "are not able to". The choice between them often comes down to stylistic preference.