are not capable of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are not capable of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express someone's or something's inability to perform a specific action or task. Example: "The old computer systems are not capable of running the latest software updates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

They are not capable of anything else".

The Guardian

Americans are not capable of drinking three martinis at lunch.

The New York Times

"So far we are not capable of that.

Independent

In addition, some older pumps still are not capable of registering triple-digit bills.

The New York Times

They will have to make all these other appointments we are not capable of making".

The New York Times

"The smaller bombs are not capable of causing that catastrophic attack.

The New York Times

In practice, we, almost without exception, are not capable of "living by truth" ourselves.

The New York Times

Children in this position are not capable of making a decision of this magnitude.

The New York Times

Not that the bigger houses are not capable of making great Champagnes.

The New York Times - Food

"We are not capable of taking care of all of Mali," he said.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But most humans are not capable of anything very special".

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are not capable of", ensure that the subject and verb agree in number. For example, "He is not capable of" (singular) versus "They are not capable of" (plural).

Common error

Avoid replacing "of" with other prepositions like "from" or "in". The correct structure is "are not capable of" followed by a gerund (verb ending in -ing) or a noun phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are not capable of" functions as a predicate adjective describing the subject's inability or lack of capacity to perform a specific action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it expresses a clear limitation or deficiency. Examples show its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are not capable of" is a common and grammatically correct way to express an inability or lack of capacity. As Ludwig AI states, it's suitable for various writing contexts. The phrase is used across News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources. While alternatives like "unable to" or "cannot" exist, "are not capable of" provides a slightly more formal and nuanced way to convey limitations. Remember to maintain subject-verb agreement and avoid replacing "of" with other prepositions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot

This is a simple and direct contraction expressing inability.

unable to

This is a more concise and direct way of expressing the same inability.

do not have the ability to

This phrase explicitly states the absence of a particular ability.

lack the capacity for

This alternative uses "capacity" instead of "capable", emphasizing the absence of inherent potential.

not equipped to

This alternative suggests a lack of necessary tools or resources.

beyond their capabilities

This implies that something exceeds the limits of what someone or something can do.

not in a position to

This suggests that circumstances prevent someone from doing something.

not up to the task of

This highlights a lack of suitability or preparedness for a specific task.

deficient in

This emphasizes a lack of necessary qualities or skills.

fall short of

This alternative suggests a failure to meet a certain standard or expectation.

FAQs

How can I use "are not capable of" in a sentence?

Use "are not capable of" to describe a person or thing's inability to do something. For example, "These old computers "are not capable of running" the latest software".

What are some alternatives to "are not capable of"?

You can use phrases like "unable to", "lack the capacity for", or "cannot" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "is not capable to" instead of "are not capable of"?

No, the correct phrasing is "are not capable of". The preposition "of" is required after "capable" to connect it to the action or ability being described.

What's the difference between "are not capable of" and "are incapable of"?

Both phrases have similar meanings, but "are not capable of" is slightly more common and versatile. "are incapable of" is more formal and emphasizes a fundamental lack of ability.