are unable to access

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are unable to access" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone does not have the ability or means to reach or obtain something, such as information or a location. Example: "Due to technical difficulties, many users are unable to access the website at this time."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Some users are unable to access Canvas.

Yale University

Many Tanzanians are unable to access the main power grid.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Users are unable to access the Confluence web site.

Cornell University

It is estimated that 222 million women are unable to access modern family planning.

The Guardian

"For families that are unable to access these avocations, Walmart offers many options at affordable prices".

The New Yorker

We are unable to access to old notes, blood results, x-rays or order vital tests.

The Guardian - Tech

CIT has received reports that some users are unable to access my.cornell.cornell

Cornell University

If you are unable to access a resource, we recommend contacting your local institution or library.

Harvard University

Mail delivery is still going through, but users are unable to access it.

Columbia University

If you are unable to access Gradescope, please email the Head TA.

Stanford University

Millions of bank customers are unable to access their cash following IT troubles at two separate banking groups.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are unable to access", ensure the reason for the inability is clear from the context. Specify whether it's due to technical limitations, restrictions, or lack of resources to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "are unable to access" with overly general subjects like "people" without specifying which people or group. Instead, be specific: "Low-income families are unable to access affordable healthcare", is better than "People are unable to access healthcare".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "are unable to access" is to express a lack of ability or opportunity. It functions as a descriptive phrase indicating that the subject is restricted or incapable of reaching or using something. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

31%

Science

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are unable to access" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that conveys a lack of ability or opportunity to reach or obtain something. Ludwig AI confirms its broad applicability in written English. This phrase appears most commonly in news, academic and scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral to professional register. While highly versatile, it is best practice to ensure clarity by specifying the reason for the inability. Alternatives like "cannot gain access to", "lack access to", and "are prevented from accessing" offer slight variations in meaning and emphasis, making them suitable for different nuances. Avoid vagueness by using specific subjects when describing who is "are unable to access" something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot gain access to

Replaces "are unable" with the single word "cannot" and "access" with "gain access to", maintaining the core meaning.

are prevented from accessing

Shifts the focus to an external force causing the inability, adding a nuance of obstruction.

are blocked from access

Uses "blocked" to emphasize an obstruction, slightly stronger than "unable".

lack access to

Simplifies the phrase to highlight the absence of access as a possession or resource.

do not have access to

Focuses on the absence of possession of access rights or means.

are denied access to

Highlights the active denial of access by an external entity.

find it impossible to access

Emphasizes the degree of difficulty, suggesting the access is beyond their capabilities.

have no way to access

Emphasizes the lack of a method or means to gain access.

are restricted from accessing

Indicates that access is limited by some rule or authority.

are incapable of accessing

Highlights the inherent inability to perform the action of accessing, often due to technical or physical limitations.

FAQs

What does "are unable to access" mean?

The phrase "are unable to access" means someone or a group of people lack the possibility, means, or permission to reach, use, or obtain something. It indicates a barrier preventing them from gaining entry or utilizing a resource.

How can I use "are unable to access" in a sentence?

You can use "are unable to access" to describe a situation where access is restricted or impossible. For instance, "Due to the server outage, users are unable to access their email accounts" or "Many rural communities are unable to access high-speed internet".

What can I say instead of "are unable to access"?

You can use alternatives like "cannot gain access to", "lack access to", or "are prevented from accessing" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "are unable to access" or "cannot access"?

Both "are unable to access" and "cannot access" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Cannot access" is more concise and often preferred in informal contexts, while "are unable to access" can sound slightly more formal.