incapable of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "incapable of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that lacks the ability or capacity to perform a certain action or function. Example: "She felt incapable of completing the task on her own and sought help from her colleagues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I was incapable of resistance.

The New Yorker

Muslims are incapable of democracy.

The New York Times

She is incapable of dissimulating.

The New York Times - Arts

I was entirely incapable of speech.

The New York Times

He is constitutionally incapable of settling down.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Not that Claiborne was incapable of snobbery.

The New York Times - Food

And he was incapable of physical disgust.

The New Yorker

"They are incapable of stopping the violence.

The New York Times

"She's incapable of that," he said.

The New York Times

The ctenidia are incapable of filtering.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But Tyson is incapable of dullness.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "incapable of" to clearly and directly state the absence of a specific ability or capacity. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, as illustrated by examples from The New York Times and The New Yorker.

Common error

Avoid embedding "incapable of" within overly complex or convoluted sentence structures. Simpler constructions often provide greater clarity and impact. For example, instead of "The intricate mechanism, due to its age and wear, was rendered incapable of performing its originally intended function", try "The old, worn mechanism could no longer function as intended".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "incapable of" functions as a predicative adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a lack of ability or capacity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in English, such as "She is incapable of dissimulating".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "incapable of" is a grammatically sound and versatile way to express a lack of ability or capacity. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, predominantly appearing in news and media sources. While effective, it's essential to maintain clarity and avoid overuse in overly complex sentences. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can confidently use "incapable of" to convey precise and impactful meanings in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unable to

Uses a different adjective with a direct and simple meaning.

not able to

Emphasizes the lack of ability using a negative construction.

lacking the ability to

Highlights the absence of a specific skill or capacity.

without the capacity for

Focuses on the inherent potential or aptitude.

cannot

A simple modal verb expressing inability.

deficient in

Indicates a lack or shortage of a particular quality or attribute.

not equipped to

Suggests a lack of necessary resources or preparation.

powerless to

Emphasizes a lack of strength or control.

helpless to

Conveys a sense of being unable to prevent or change something.

beyond one's capabilities

Indicates that something exceeds someone's skill or capacity.

FAQs

What does "incapable of" mean?

The phrase "incapable of" means lacking the ability, capacity, or qualification for a specified action or function. It indicates an inherent or circumstantial inability to perform something.

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

You can use "incapable of" to describe someone or something lacking the ability to perform a specific action. For example, "He is "unable to" forgive her", or "The old machine is "not able to" function properly any longer".

What are some alternatives to "incapable of"?

Alternatives to "incapable of" include "unable to", "not able to", lacking the ability to, and without the capacity for.

Is it better to use "unable to" or "incapable of"?

Both "unable to" and "incapable of" express a lack of ability. "Unable to" is generally more common and informal, while "incapable of" can suggest a more fundamental or inherent lack of capacity. The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone. For example, "Standard TCP is "unable to" do so" or "She is "incapable of" dissimulating".