been unable to work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "been unable to work" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where someone has not been able to perform their job or tasks due to various reasons, such as illness or personal issues. Example: "Due to my recent health problems, I have been unable to work for the past month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He has been unable to work.

The Washington Post

She has been unable to work since then, he said.

The New York Times

I've been unable to work out for five weeks.

The New York Times - Sports

Ms. Rogers has been unable to work for a year.

The New York Times - Health

But, so far, since the trial, he's been unable to work properly.

The Guardian

Since contracting TB, More has been unable to work to support their five children.

The Guardian

In the months since then, she has been unable to work because of problems breathing.

The New York Times

Yingluck herself has been unable to work from her offices in Government House since late November.

The Guardian

I have been unable to work, and live on Social Security.

The New York Times

Since his descent from the scaffolding, he has been unable to work.

The Washington Post

Mr. Talavera has been unable to work since he was hit by a car in 2003.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "been unable to work", clearly state the reason for the inability to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example, "She has been unable to work due to a recent injury."

Common error

Avoid using incorrect tenses with "been unable to work". Ensure the tense aligns with the time frame you are referring to. For instance, instead of saying "She is been unable to work", use "She has been unable to work" or "She was unable to work".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "been unable to work" functions as part of a verb phrase indicating a state of inability to perform work. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English, describing situations where individuals cannot fulfill their job-related tasks.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "been unable to work" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a state where someone cannot perform their job due to various reasons. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English. Predominantly found in neutral contexts such as news and media, it serves to inform or explain an individual's employment status. While versatile, it's crucial to use the correct tense and provide clear context to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "incapable of working" or "out of work" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incapable of working

Emphasizes a lack of capability, whether physical or otherwise, to perform work.

unable to perform duties

Focuses on the inability to carry out specific job responsibilities or tasks.

out of work

A more general term indicating unemployment or absence from a job.

not working

A simple and direct way to state that someone is not currently employed or active in their job.

on leave from work

Specifies a temporary absence from work, often due to illness or other personal reasons.

not fit to work

Highlights a lack of physical or mental fitness required to perform work.

prevented from working

Suggests external factors or circumstances are hindering the ability to work.

excused from work

Implies a formal or official permission to be absent from work.

suspended from work

Indicates a temporary removal from work, often due to disciplinary reasons.

debarred from employment

Suggests a legal or formal prohibition from holding a job.

FAQs

What are some alternative ways to say "been unable to work"?

You can use alternatives like "incapable of working", "unable to perform duties", or "out of work" depending on the context.

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

Use "been unable to work" to describe a situation where someone has not been able to perform their job or tasks due to various reasons. For example: "Due to her illness, she has been unable to work for the past month."

What's the difference between "been unable to work" and "not working"?

"Been unable to work" implies a reason or circumstance preventing someone from working, whereas "not working" is a general statement about their employment status. It's possible to be "not working" by choice (e.g. retirement), but the other phrase implies that there is an external element prohibiting it.

When is it appropriate to use "been unable to work" instead of "unable to work"?

"Been unable to work" is used with present perfect tenses (e.g., has been, have been) to indicate a state that started in the past and continues to the present. "Unable to work" can be used more broadly in different tenses (e.g. She is unable to work).