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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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are unable to commit

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE 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

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

BBC

Despite otherwise being healthy, they are unable to commit new experiences to memory.

A further 25% in the agnostic camp are unable to commit.

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

The New Yorker

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.

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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.

And the state government, which is ultimately responsible for funding the museum, had been unable to commit for years.

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 Guardian

"The demands of my growing family mean that I am unable to commit to the market with the same intensity going forward.

News & Media

The New York Times

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

The Guardian
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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."

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

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.

Expression frequency: Very common

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.

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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Source & Trust

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Authority and reliability

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Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: