are unable to attach

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are unable to attach" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating a lack of ability to connect or affix something, whether physically or metaphorically. Example: "Due to technical difficulties, we are unable to attach the necessary documents to the email."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

That is a stark contrast to the choreographically rich "Uncommitted," a work set to music by Arvo Pärt, about people who are unable to attach themselves to others, and "Gossamer Gallants," to sections of "The Bartered Bride," by Bedrich Smetana.

The New York Times - Arts

The mutant EPEC (with an internal deletion in the gene encoding EspB, a key component of the type III bacterial secretion system) are unable to attach intimately, but adhere in localised clusters using bundle forming pili.

Plosone

Weiss [ 4] stated that individuals who are unable to attach to other individuals will feel themselves lonely.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

In this assay cells are plated in a soft agar media matrix where they are unable to attach to an underlying substrate.

BioMed Research International

All tumor cells were able to attach to the endothelium or the collagen gel surface, even those that are unable to attach tightly to a pure plastic cell culture surface such as Colo201 and Colo205.

Biophysical Journal

The phenotype is slightly different in mutants of the Ne1-encoding gene gpS of Myophage P2: phages form tails that are unable to attach to heads, and are non-infectious, suggesting a defect in the head-tail joining process [ 59].

BMC Genomics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

However …. with this boat design, they were unable to attach these steel rails and had to use wooden ones instead.

The Washington Post

Pratt sometimes regrets that he and Montag became so despised that they were unable to attach their personal brand to a consumable product.

The New Yorker

Under normal circumstances, if a cell is unable to attach to the extracellular matrix, it dies through induction of programmed cell death (apoptosis).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Normally, if a cell is unable to attach to the extracellular matrix, it dies through induction of the cell suicide program known as apoptosis.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These results support the idea that the ECTVIFNα/βBPGAGmut attenuation in WT susceptible mice is due to a reduced IFN-I blocking ability when the IFNα/βBP is unable to attach to the cell surface.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are unable to attach", ensure the context clearly specifies what is failing to be attached and why. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "are unable to attach" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "can't attach" or "not able to attach" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are unable to attach" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun by indicating a lack of ability to connect or affix. As evidenced by Ludwig AI, it’s common in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are unable to attach" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe the inability to connect or affix something, whether physically or metaphorically. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While the phrase appears most frequently in scientific and news contexts, consider its formality when choosing between it and more casual alternatives. When writing, ensure the context clearly defines what is failing to attach to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot affix

Uses "affix" instead of "attach", implying a more formal or technical connection.

cannot connect

Emphasizes the lack of connection, whether physical or metaphorical.

fail to adhere

Highlights the failure to stick or cling, often used in scientific contexts.

incapable of joining

Focuses on the inability to become part of something or to link together.

are not able to link

A more literal substitution focusing on the act of linking.

are unable to bond

Implies a deeper connection, often used in interpersonal or chemical contexts.

cannot secure

Highlights the inability to fasten or make something safe and stable.

are prevented from joining

Suggests an external force or circumstance is hindering the attachment.

are restricted from connecting

Implies an external restriction preventing the connection.

lack the capacity to join

Emphasizes a fundamental lack of ability or resources for attachment.

FAQs

What does "are unable to attach" mean?

The phrase "are unable to attach" means that someone or something lacks the capacity or possibility to connect, affix, or join one thing to another. This could be due to physical limitations, technical issues, or metaphorical reasons.

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

You can use "are unable to attach" to describe a situation where something cannot be connected. For example: "Due to a software glitch, users "are unable to attach" files to their emails."

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

You can use alternatives like "cannot affix", "cannot connect", or "fail to adhere" depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "are unable to attach" than "can't attach"?

Yes, "are unable to attach" is generally more formal than "can't attach". The latter is a contraction and is more appropriate for informal settings, while the former is suitable for professional or academic writing.