been unable to perform

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "been unable to perform" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone has not been able to carry out a task or duty, often due to circumstances beyond their control. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, I have been unable to perform my duties as expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Moreover, black banks have been unable to perform the money-multiplying alchemy of banking.

The Washington Post

Up until now, the political system has been unable to perform this two-stage approach.

The New York Times

In the five months since the party lost the general election, Labour has been unable to perform as an effective opposition.

The Guardian

Its outside accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers, has been unable to perform an audit because of its concerns about how the funds were valued.

The New York Times

As authorities continued to investigate, Dr. Rhee said on Thursday that Ms. Giffords was now capable of a range of activities she had previously been unable to perform.

The New York Times

Yet this time around, as Thailand faced an equally destructive crisis, the king has been unable to perform any such function.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

"Their players were unable to perform.

The New York Times - Sports

And what happened if they were unable to perform?

The Guardian

As such, it is unable to perform properly the job for which it was created.

The Guardian - Sport

Shortly after previews began last month, the star, Anne Bancroft, contracted pneumonia and was unable to perform.

The New York Times

Last night came the news that Ms. Peters was unable to perform because of illness.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "been unable to perform", ensure the context clearly indicates the reason for the inability, whether it's due to external factors, lack of skill, or unforeseen circumstances.

Common error

Avoid using "been unable to perform" excessively in formal writing. Opt for more direct alternatives like "failed to execute" or "could not complete" to maintain a concise and professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "been unable to perform" functions as a verbal phrase indicating an inability to execute an action or task. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts. It often appears as part of a larger sentence, providing information about why a certain action could not be carried out.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "been unable to perform" is a grammatically sound and moderately common expression used to convey the inability to carry out a specific action or task. Ludwig AI analysis shows it appears frequently in News & Media and Science contexts. When writing, consider the reasons behind the inability to ensure clarity, and in more formal contexts, consider more direct alternatives such as "failed to execute" or "could not carry out". Although Ludwig confirms its validity, keep in mind the specific nuance you want to achieve in your writing and pick the best alternative when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could not carry out

Suggests a failure in the implementation or execution of something.

failed to execute

Emphasizes a failure in the execution stage of a task.

found it impossible to do

Emphasizes the insurmountable difficulty faced.

proven incapable of doing

Highlights a demonstrated lack of capacity.

not managed to complete

Highlights the lack of completion of a task.

have not been in a position to

Implies external circumstances prevented the action.

not been capable of achieving

Focuses on the lack of ability to reach a specific goal.

struggled without success to

Implies a persistent but unsuccessful effort.

been unsuccessful in undertaking

Focuses on the lack of success in a particular undertaking or project.

not had the capacity for

Highlights a fundamental lack of required abilities or resources.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "been unable to perform"?

You can use alternatives like "failed to execute", "could not carry out", or "not been capable of" depending on the specific context.

How do I use "been unable to perform" in a sentence?

Use "been unable to perform" to describe a situation where someone or something has not been able to carry out a task or duty. For example: "Due to the storm, the rescue team has been unable to perform its duties effectively."

What's the difference between "been unable to perform" and "failed to perform"?

"Been unable to perform" suggests an ongoing inability, while "failed to perform" implies a specific instance of failure. The first emphasizes a continuous state, the second a completed action.

Is it better to use "been unable to perform" or "was unable to perform"?

The choice between "been unable to perform" and "was unable to perform" depends on the tense you want to convey. "Was unable to perform" refers to a past, completed inability, while "been unable to perform" suggests an inability that has persisted over a period of time.