become unable to

USAGE SUMMARY

"become unable to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something has changed, and is now no longer able to be done. Example: Due to the ongoing pandemic, many businesses have become unable to continue operations.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They withdraw and become unable to engage.

Independent

She will become unable to swallow or breathe.

The New Yorker

Unable to conceive, William and Louisa have also become unable to exchange a tender word.

The New York Times - Books

Italy or Spain might become unable to borrow on decent terms.

The Economist

As their visual sense loses its acuity, buyers become unable to concentrate on what they see.

The New York Times - Arts

The stargazer used a wheelchair and had become unable to look through a telescope.

The Guardian

I noticed, however, that she had developed a pronounced limp and had become unable to walk even moderate distances.

The New Yorker

Some of us could laugh at one point but, owing to recent events, have become unable to do so.

The New Yorker

Borrowers who become unable to repay incur a range of costs that they often transmit to others.

The Economist

One hypothesis is that the company had become unable to value its increasingly complex portfolio of securities.

The Economist

Godparents are particularly important; if parents become unable to provide for their children, godparents are expected to assume responsibility for them.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "become unable to", ensure that the reason for the inability is clear from the context. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Ensure that the subject of "become unable to" is clearly defined. Avoid using vague pronouns that could lead to confusion about who or what is losing the ability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become unable to" functions as a verb phrase indicating a change in state, specifically the loss of a previous ability. This is supported by the numerous examples provided by Ludwig, which show the phrase used in diverse contexts to express this transition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

35%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "become unable to" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe a transition from a state of ability to a state of inability. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in written English. Its prevalence in news, science, and wiki contexts demonstrates its broad applicability. When using this phrase, consider clarifying the reason for the change in ability and avoid vague language. Remember, there are many alternatives available, such as "cease to be able to" or "lose the capacity to", which may be more suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

no longer have the ability to

Directly states the absence of ability.

cease to be able to

Replaces "become" with "cease to be", emphasizing a termination of ability.

lose the capacity to

Focuses on the loss of capacity rather than the process of becoming unable.

find oneself incapable of

Highlights the subjective experience of lacking ability.

reach a point where one cannot

Emphasizes reaching a limit or threshold of ability.

grow incapable of

Focuses on a gradual decline in ability.

be rendered incapable of

Implies an external force causing the inability.

get to the point of being unable to

Indicates progression towards a state of inability.

be reduced to not being able to

Emphasizes a decline or degradation leading to inability.

turn out to be incapable of

Highlights an unexpected revelation of inability.

FAQs

How can I use "become unable to" in a sentence?

Use "become unable to" to describe a state of diminished capacity. For example, "Due to the illness, he "became unable to" perform his duties."

What are some alternatives to "become unable to"?

Alternatives include phrases like "cease to be able to", "lose the capacity to", or "grow incapable of", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "become unable to" or "is unable to"?

"Become unable to" suggests a change in state, while "is unable to" describes a current condition. Use "become unable to" when describing a process of losing ability and "is unable to" for a static state.

What does "become unable to" imply about the situation?

The phrase implies a transition from a state of ability to one of inability. It often suggests a cause or reason for this change, such as illness, damage, or external factors.