are unable to touch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are unable to touch" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a lack of ability or capacity to physically make contact with something or someone. Example: "Due to the glass barrier, the visitors are unable to touch the exhibits on display."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Even jihadi recruiters are unable to touch that".

The Guardian

In sunglasses e-commerce shopping experience, consumers are unable to touch or feel the product.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

As long as Esther Hoffe's will is debated, Eva and Ruth are unable to touch any part of their inheritance, which includes more than $1 million in cash.

The New York Times - Magazine

They indicate feeling close to something they are unable to touch fully or in the same way that their ancestors did.

Huffington Post

Boys who are unable to touch their nose with a mechanical arm support (due to insufficient muscle strength) will receive an electrical arm support.

BMC Pediatrics

When using metal enclosures for mains powered projects, make sure that all mains connected wires and parts are unable to touch the enclosure from inside.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Just as I found with the firefly, I was unable to touch or interact with anything.

The Guardian - Tech

Otherwise, the Yankees were unable to touch Fister, whom they had roughed up when Game 1 of the series resumed Saturday.

The New York Times

He laughed and told me about the time that he was touring Europe and because of travel scheduling problems was unable to touch his violin for four days.

The New York Times

But if a film is intended for family viewing, it may be unable to touch on other subjects that concern 9- to 14-year-olds, like sexuality, school violence and experimentation with cigarettes, drugs and alcohol.

The New York Times

But the partial distribution is good news for shareholders who have been unable to touch any of their cash in the fund since Sept. 16, when the largest of the Reserve funds "broke the buck" and reported a value of less than a dollar a share.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing limitations or restrictions, use "are unable to touch" to clearly state the inability to make physical contact. For example, "Due to safety regulations, visitors are unable to touch the artifacts."

Common error

Avoid using "are unable to touch" when describing abstract concepts or emotional states. For instance, instead of saying "They are unable to touch the underlying issue", use "They are unable to address the underlying issue."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are unable to touch" functions as a descriptive phrase, indicating a lack of ability or permission to make physical contact with something. Ludwig confirms this usage, providing various examples in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are unable to touch" is used to describe situations where physical contact is not possible or permitted. As validated by Ludwig, it is a grammatically correct phrase with a neutral register, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and Scientific sources. While various alternatives exist, such as "cannot touch" and "are not able to touch", it's important to ensure its usage is appropriate for the specific context. Avoid using it in abstract or emotional contexts where a different phrasing would be more fitting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot touch

Simplified version with similar meaning but shorter.

are not able to touch

A slightly more formal variation of the original phrase.

are incapable of touching

Emphasizes the lack of capacity with a stronger verb.

are restricted from touching

Highlights the presence of a restriction preventing contact.

are prohibited from touching

Indicates a formal ban on touching.

are barred from touching

Suggests a more forceful prevention of touching.

are prevented from touching

Focuses on the action of preventing physical contact.

cannot make contact with

Uses a different verb to express the inability to touch.

are out of reach of

Indicates something is not accessible to touch.

are beyond reach of

Expresses that something is inaccessible and untouchable.

FAQs

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

Use "are unable to touch" to describe situations where physical contact is not possible or permitted. For example: "Because of the protective barrier, visitors are unable to touch the artwork."

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

You can use alternatives like "cannot touch", "are not able to touch", or "are incapable of touching" depending on the context.

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

Both "are unable to touch" and "cannot touch" are grammatically correct. "Cannot touch" is a more concise and common alternative, while "are unable to touch" is slightly more formal.

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

"Are unable to touch" implies a lack of ability or possibility due to physical constraints or limitations. "Are not allowed to touch" indicates a prohibition or restriction imposed by rules or authority.