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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
are unable to commit
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "are unable to commit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's inability to make a decision or dedicate themselves to a particular task or relationship. Example: "Due to their busy schedules, they are unable to commit to the project at this time."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Academia
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
19 human-written examples
Both have told new Erne County boss Peter McGrath that they are unable to commit to the panel because of work commitments.
News & Media
Despite otherwise being healthy, they are unable to commit new experiences to memory.
News & Media
A further 25% in the agnostic camp are unable to commit.
News & Media
Since our development efforts have shifted to Kerberos V5 however, we are unable to commit resources to V4 remediation.
What I see as a problem within schools and in education is that students are unable to commit to learning.
News & Media
If you are unable to commit to completing this work, you should reflect further on whether undertaking a creative writing thesis is right for you.
Academia
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
41 human-written examples
But the role was expanded beyond the three weeks planned, and he was unable to commit the time.
News & Media
And the state government, which is ultimately responsible for funding the museum, had been unable to commit for years.
News & Media
Investing in businesses creates deeper level incentives to support an ecosystem of partners in a way that the advertising-based social networks have been unable to commit to.
News & Media
"The demands of my growing family mean that I am unable to commit to the market with the same intensity going forward.
News & Media
I stopped making plans in my social life and was unable to commit to lengthy tenancy agreements, meaning I moved between parents and friends for some time.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "are unable to commit", clarify the reason for the inability to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example: "They are unable to commit due to prior obligations."
Common error
Avoid using "are unable to commit" when a more direct and active phrasing would be clearer and more concise. For example, instead of "The team are unable to commit to the deadline", consider "The team cannot meet the deadline."
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "are unable to commit" functions as a predicative adjective phrase, modifying a subject and indicating a lack of ability or willingness to dedicate oneself to something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and used to express an incapacity or unwillingness to make a firm decision.
Frequent in
News & Media
58%
Academia
21%
Science
13%
Less common in
Wiki
6%
Encyclopedias
2%
Formal & Business
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "are unable to commit" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression, as validated by Ludwig AI. It functions as a predicative adjective, indicating an inability or unwillingness to dedicate oneself to something. Predominantly found in news, academic, and scientific contexts, it serves to express a lack of commitment with a neutral level of formality. While versatile, it's advisable to clarify the reasons behind this inability to avoid ambiguity and, when possible, to use a more direct phrasing for clarity. Alternatives such as "cannot dedicate themselves" or "are not able to guarantee" can provide similar meanings depending on the specific context.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
cannot dedicate themselves
Focuses on the inability to allocate time or resources.
are not in a position to pledge
Highlights the formal aspect of making a commitment.
are incapable of dedicating
Emphasizes the lack of capability to dedicate.
find it impossible to promise
Focuses on the impossibility of making a promise.
are not able to guarantee
Highlights the lack of certainty in fulfilling a commitment.
cannot guarantee
Directly states the inability to provide a guarantee.
are unwilling to dedicate
Emphasizes a lack of willingness rather than ability.
cannot promise
Indicates an inability to make a firm promise.
are hesitant to pledge
Highlights reluctance to make a commitment.
cannot devote themselves
Focuses on the inability to dedicate one's energy or attention.
FAQs
How can I use "are unable to commit" in a sentence?
You can use "are unable to commit" to describe someone's inability to dedicate time, resources, or make a firm decision. For instance, "Due to other projects, they "are unable to commit" to this project."
What can I say instead of "are unable to commit"?
You can use alternatives like "cannot dedicate themselves", "are not able to guarantee", or "cannot promise" depending on the specific context.
Is it better to say "cannot commit" or "are unable to commit"?
Both "cannot commit" and "are unable to commit" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. "Cannot commit" is often seen as more direct and concise, while "are unable to commit" can sound slightly more formal. The choice often depends on the desired tone and context.
What does it mean when someone says they "are unable to commit"?
When someone says they ""are unable to commit"", it generally means they cannot dedicate the necessary time, resources, or make a firm decision due to various constraints or priorities.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested