have been unable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been unable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a lack of ability to do something over a period of time. Example: "I have been unable to complete the project due to unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I have been unable to find it.

The New Yorker

They have been unable to identify most.

The New York Times

I have been unable to defend myself publically.

The Guardian

But they have been unable to reach all those areas.

The Guardian

Opposition parties have been unable to unite behind a candidate.

The Washington Post

I have been unable to look after patients properly.

The Guardian - Tech

Other cable anchors have been unable to make the transition.

The New York Times

So far, aid workers have been unable to reach them.

The New York Times

However, parliamentary committees have been unable to scrutinise the deals.

The Guardian - Opinion

But they have been unable to honor this tradition.

The New York Times

But without him, the Nets have been unable to compensate.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have been unable", ensure the context clearly indicates the period over which the inability persisted. For example, "They "have been unable to reach" all those areas since the earthquake."

Common error

Avoid using "have been unable" when describing a single, isolated event. It's more appropriate for situations where the inability is ongoing or repeated over time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been unable" functions as a verbal phrase expressing a lack of ability or capacity to perform an action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, showcased through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

20%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have been unable" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a lack of ability or opportunity over a period. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and frequent use across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. While it can be used in many situations, avoid using it for single, isolated events. Alternatives such as "have failed to" or "have not been able to" can provide nuanced alternatives. Knowing that it’s distinct from "had been unable" regarding the time frame it refers to, makes "have been unable" an effective and versatile phrase in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have not been able

A more direct and common alternative, simply stating the lack of ability.

have been incapable

Implies a lack of inherent ability or capacity.

have been unsuccessful

Similar to 'have failed to', but emphasizes the lack of a positive outcome.

have failed to

Focuses on the lack of success in achieving a specific goal.

have found it impossible

Highlights the extreme difficulty or impossibility of something.

have lacked the capacity

Emphasizes a deficiency in the necessary resources or skills.

have been prevented from

Highlights external factors that hindered the action.

have been in no position to

Emphasizes the lack of a suitable or advantageous situation to perform an action.

were not in a position to

Suggests that the circumstances were not suitable for a particular action.

have not had the opportunity

Indicates that circumstances prevented the action from taking place.

FAQs

What's the difference between "have been unable" and "has not been able to"?

"Have been unable" implies an inability that has persisted over a period, while "has not been able to" typically refers to a more recent or singular instance of inability. The choice depends on whether you're describing an ongoing situation or a specific event.

What are some alternatives to using "have been unable"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "have failed to", "have not been able to", or "have been incapable of". Consider the specific nuance you want to convey when choosing an alternative.

Is it correct to say "had been unable" instead of "have been unable"?

Yes, both are grammatically correct, but they refer to different time frames. "Have been unable" refers to a present inability resulting from past circumstances, while "had been unable" refers to an inability that existed in the past before another point in the past.

How do I use "have been unable" in a sentence?

Use "have been unable" to express that someone or something has consistently lacked the capacity or opportunity to do something over a period. For example: "Researchers "have been unable to find" a cure for the disease", meaning they have tried, but without success until now.