are unable to get

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are unable to get" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a lack of ability or capacity to obtain something or achieve a goal. Example: "Despite our best efforts, we are unable to get the necessary approvals for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Importers of fuel are unable to get credit, causing shortages.

The Economist

He says his lawyers are unable to get clarification.

The New York Times

They feel they are unable to get justice".

The New York Times

Believing in "progress," we are unable to get our utopias up and running.

Stanford University

Once the aircraft reaches sonic speed the waves are unable to get out of its way.

Encyclopedia Britannica

professionals are unable to get the ball anywhere near the flag.

The New York Times

Some Greeks say they are unable to get hold of the medications they need.

The Economist

All it's accomplished is that deathly ill people are unable to get medicine they need".

The New York Times

"We know that others are unable to get to Dignitas," Charouneau said.

The Guardian

You are unable to get that unless you go in and make proper observations".

The New York Times

People with leprosy are unable to get treatment for ulcers and other deformities from government hospitals.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are unable to get", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being sought and why the inability exists. This enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "are unable to get" in overly complex sentences where simpler alternatives like "cannot obtain" or "can't get" would improve readability. Prioritize clarity and conciseness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are unable to get" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a lack of capacity or ability to obtain something. It's frequently used to describe situations where someone or something is prevented from achieving a specific goal or acquiring a particular item. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

15%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are unable to get" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express the inability to obtain something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. It appears most frequently in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts, maintaining a neutral register suitable for various writing styles. Alternatives like "cannot obtain" or "are incapable of getting" can be used depending on the desired nuance. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in specifying what is being sought and the reason for the inability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot obtain

This alternative is a more concise way of expressing the inability to acquire something.

are incapable of getting

This alternative emphasizes a lack of capability rather than just inability.

are prevented from getting

This alternative highlights an external force hindering the action.

are failing to acquire

This alternative suggests an ongoing but unsuccessful effort to obtain something.

are not able to receive

This alternative focuses on the act of receiving rather than actively getting.

are without access to

This alternative indicates a lack of accessibility to something.

are struggling to find

This alternative emphasizes the difficulty in locating or obtaining something.

are finding it impossible to get

This alternative highlights the perceived impossibility of the task.

are having no luck in getting

This alternative suggests a lack of success due to chance or circumstance.

cannot secure

This alternative implies a difficulty in ensuring or guaranteeing access to something.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives like "cannot obtain", "are incapable of getting", or "are prevented from getting" depending on the context.

How to use "are unable to get" in a sentence?

Use "are unable to get" when expressing a lack of ability or capacity to obtain something. For example, "Due to the new regulations, they are unable to get the required permits".

Which is correct, "are unable to get" or "cannot get"?

"Are unable to get" and "cannot get" are both correct. "Cannot get" is more concise and often preferred in informal contexts, while "are unable to get" can add a slightly more formal tone.

What's the difference between "are unable to get" and "are not allowed to get"?

"Are unable to get" indicates a lack of ability or capacity, while "are not allowed to get" indicates a prohibition. The first is about capability, the second is about permission.