being incapable of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being incapable of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a lack of ability or capacity to perform a certain action or task. Example: "She was frustrated by being incapable of completing the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Such a being has more to lose than a being incapable of understanding this". This means, says Nussbaum, not all animals are equally worth saving.

The Guardian - Books

It's no good having it and being incapable of using it.

The New York Times

In one deeply peculiar scene, they both confess to being incapable of having children.

The New Yorker

To the Editor: Mark Bittman blames the food industry for being incapable of marketing healthier foods.

The New York Times

Being incapable of always doing good is not a case against doing good where you can.

The Guardian - Opinion

And there was a day when I'd had enough of being incapable of life and I booked the appointment.

Independent

Men are frequently portrayed in popular culture as being incapable of looking beyond a person's physical appearance.

The Washington Post

Leading players and administrators stand accused of being amoral, of being incapable of telling right from wrong.

The Guardian - Sport

The police, compromised by falling officer numbers and budget constraints, are accused of being incapable of making the capital safe.

The Guardian

There's a running gag about Chandler and his squad being incapable of bringing a guilty party in alive.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

By being 'present in a subject' I do not mean present as parts are present in a whole, but being incapable of existence apart from the said subject.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "being incapable of" when describing a permanent or inherent inability, rather than a temporary or situational one.

Common error

Avoid using "being incapable of" in simple sentences where "unable to" or "cannot" would be more concise and effective. Simpler language often improves readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being incapable of" functions as an adjective phrase describing a noun's inability or lack of capacity. Ludwig examples demonstrate its usage in various sentence structures to express limitations or inabilities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "being incapable of" effectively conveys a lack of ability or capacity. Ludwig AI confirms it as grammatically sound and widely used. While simpler alternatives like "unable to" exist, "being incapable of" serves well in formal contexts or when emphasis is needed. Remember to specify the limitation clearly and consider more concise options for simpler sentences. The high frequency of this expression across news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources confirms its versatility in professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unable to

More concise and direct alternative.

not able to

Simple and common way to express lack of ability.

lacking the ability to

More formal and explicit about the absence of skill.

deficient in

Focuses on a specific area where ability is lacking.

without the capacity for

Emphasizes the inherent potential or aptitude.

not equipped to

Highlights the lack of necessary resources or skills.

unfit for

Suggests a disqualifying inadequacy for a purpose.

incompetent at

Implies a general lack of competence or skill.

powerless to

Emphasizes a lack of agency or influence to act.

helpless to

Highlights a state of being unable to assist or change a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "being incapable of" in a sentence?

Use "being incapable of" to describe a lack of ability or capacity. For example, "The old machine was being incapable of producing the required output." You can replace it with similar phrases like "unable to" or "not able to".

What are some alternatives to "being incapable of"?

Alternatives include "unable to", "not able to", "lacking the ability to", and "deficient in". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "being incapable of" or "unable to"?

"Unable to" is generally more concise and often preferred in modern writing. "Being incapable of" can be used for emphasis or in more formal contexts. Both are grammatically correct, but consider readability and audience.

What's the difference between "being incapable of" and "not being able to"?

While both express an inability, "being incapable of" suggests a more inherent or fundamental lack of capacity. "Not being able to" /s/not+being+able is a more general statement of current inability, which may be due to temporary circumstances.