disability to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'disability to' is not technically correct or usable in written English.
Instead, you can use the phrase 'inability to'. For example, "The patient's inability to walk resulted in a decrease in their quality of life."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We wait for problems such as reading disability to develop.

The Guardian

Veterans need not have a service-connected disability to enroll.

The New York Times

It's ascribing a mental disability to someone, and suggests a knowledge that we don't have.

The Guardian - Opinion

Not the star athlete who overcame his disability to win gold medals for South Africa.

The Guardian

Redefine disability There are misconceptions that exist which imply disability to mean physical limitation.

The Guardian

I'd like people with a disability to know that where there's a will there's a way.

The New York Times

We're slowly moving from a comparative model of disability to a declarative one.

The New Yorker

When, if at all, do I disclose my disability to my potential employer?

The Guardian

He said, "No, I want someone with a learning disability to do it".

The Guardian - Opinion

But what if Ahab overcomes his disability to save Moby from some unscrupulous scientists?

The New York Times

I didn't have to share her disability to relate to her.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use respectful and person-first language to focus on the person rather than the condition. For example, use 'person with a disability' instead of 'disabled person'.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "disability to" as it is grammatically incorrect. Opt for "inability to" or rephrase the sentence to clearly express the limitation. Correct examples include "inability to perform" or "difficulty with".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "disability to" is typically intended to express a limitation or inability resulting from a disability. However, it's grammatically incorrect. The correct way to express this is by using "inability to". Ludwig AI highlights this grammatical issue.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

31%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "disability to" appears frequently across various sources, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect. A more appropriate construction is "inability to". Despite its common occurrence, especially in scientific and news contexts, writers should aim for grammatical accuracy by using alternatives like "inability to" or rephrasing the sentence for clarity. Remembering to use person-first language is also important for respectful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inability to

Focuses on the lack of capacity or power to do something.

disability affecting

Indicates the disability has influence over something.

difficulty in

Highlights the challenges faced when attempting to perform a task.

struggle with

Emphasizes the effort and hardship involved in managing a disability.

challenges related to

Broadly refers to obstacles and issues stemming from the disability.

functional limitation

Specifically refers to a restriction in performing certain activities.

condition affecting

Highlights how a medical state impacts various aspects of life.

impairment impacting

Similar to functional limitation, but uses the term impairment to describe the impact.

need for accommodation

Focuses on the requirement for adjustments or assistance due to a disability.

barriers to access

Highlights the obstacles preventing equal opportunities and participation.

FAQs

What is the correct way to phrase limitations caused by a disability?

Instead of the incorrect phrase "disability to", use "inability to" or "difficulty with" to accurately describe the limitations. For example, say "inability to walk" or "difficulty with fine motor skills".

What can I say instead of "disability to"?

You can use alternatives like "inability to", "difficulty with", or "challenges related to" depending on the context.

How can I avoid using the phrase "disability to" in my writing?

Rephrase your sentences to use correct grammar. Instead of "the disability to concentrate", try "the inability to concentrate" or "difficulty concentrating".

Is "disability to" considered appropriate in formal writing?

No, "disability to" is not appropriate for formal writing. Use grammatically correct alternatives such as "inability to" or revise the sentence to clearly express the limitation.