for being unable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for being unable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are making a statement about someone or something not being able to do something. For example, "He was reprimanded for being unable to meet the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(Apologies to all lesbians for being unable to come up with a non-tennis sporting reference).

The Guardian - Opinion

The Arizona batters blamed themselves for being unable to handle Williams.

The New York Times - Sports

"We hate ourselves for being unable to be other than what we are.

The Guardian - Books

But Mr. Kouchner has a reputation for being unable to hide his true feelings.

The New York Times

Mr. Thompson apologized today for being unable to answer questions about the proposal.

The New York Times

Except for being unable to replenish his threadbare wardrobe, he considered himself a very lucky man.

The New Yorker

Pity them, reader, for being unable to embrace such a loud shout of glorious, untidy, angry, joyous life.

The Guardian - Books

"I apologise for being unable to refer to the Arena Pantanal without giggling like a four-year-old".

The Guardian - Sport

An aide to Mr. Gulotta criticized Ms. Murphy in turn for being "unable to offer feasible alternatives".

The New York Times

Sir Philip's report criticised the MP for being unable to produce receipts or a rental agreement to back his case.

The Guardian

His girlfriend constantly admonishes him for being unable to ignore small infractions, even when he's off-duty.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "for being unable", ensure that the reason for the inability is clear and logically connected to the statement being made. Clarity enhances the impact of your writing.

Common error

Avoid stacking multiple clauses with "for being unable", which can make sentences convoluted and difficult to read. Break them down for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for being unable" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a reason or cause. It modifies a verb, adjective, or noun by explaining the rationale behind a particular action, state, or characteristic. According to Ludwig AI, the expression is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for being unable" is a grammatically sound and commonly used prepositional phrase that serves to explain or justify a lack of ability. As Ludwig AI states, it is correct and usable in written English. Its prevalence in news, scientific, and formal business contexts indicates its versatility across different writing styles. When employing this phrase, ensure that the connection between the inability and the subsequent outcome is clear and logical. While "for being unable" is a legitimate expression, remember to avoid overuse in complex sentences, which can lead to convoluted and unclear writing. Consider the context, and pick the more appropriate alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

due to inability to

Replaces "for being unable" with a more formal and direct statement of cause.

because of a failure to

Emphasizes the lack of success in performing an action, rather than a lack of inherent ability.

owing to a lack of capacity to

Uses more formal vocabulary to convey the same meaning, highlighting a limited capacity.

as a consequence of being unable to

Highlights the result of not being able to perform an action.

on account of not being able to

Introduces another way to phrase the reasoning for failing.

by reason of not being capable to

Utilizes more formal vocabulary to denote a lack of capability.

given the impossibility to

Frames the situation as an objective impossibility, instead of a subjective inability.

lacking the means to

Focuses on the absence of resources or means necessary to accomplish something.

because they can't

A shortened, informal way to express that someone lacks the ability to perform a specified action

not having the ability to

This alternative expresses a general lack of potentiality or skill

FAQs

How can I use "for being unable" in a sentence?

You can use "for being unable" to explain the reason behind a failure or shortcoming. For example, "He apologized "for being unable" to attend the meeting due to a prior engagement."

What are some alternatives to "for being unable"?

Alternatives include "due to inability to", "because of a failure to", or "owing to a lack of capacity to". The choice depends on the level of formality and the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "for being unable"?

It's suitable when you want to explain the cause of someone's or something's inability. It works well in formal writing, reports, or when giving explanations.

Is there a difference between "for being unable" and "for not being able"?

The phrases are very similar, but "for being unable" is generally considered slightly more formal. "For not being able" might be preferred in more casual contexts.