is incapable of

USAGE SUMMARY

"is incapable of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that someone or something cannot do something. For example, "The robot is incapable of learning new tasks".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

She is incapable of dissimulating.

The New York Times - Arts

But Tyson is incapable of dullness.

The New Yorker

He is incapable of making small talk.

The New Yorker

My mind is incapable of thought.

Independent

Something that is incapable of being improved.

Independent

But McCullin is incapable of pretence.

The Guardian

This ensemble is incapable of routine.

The New York Times

Japan's political establishment is incapable of leadership.

The Economist

She is incapable of being inauthentic".

The Guardian - Film

"She is incapable of independent existence.

The New York Times

"My character is incapable of empathy.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is incapable of" to clearly state a fundamental inability or limitation, especially when emphasizing a permanent or inherent lack of capacity. For example, "A fish is incapable of breathing air."

Common error

Avoid using "is incapable of" when describing a temporary inability or a situation that can be changed. Instead, use phrases like "is unable to" or "cannot" to indicate a transient lack of ability. For example, don't say "He is incapable of finishing the project today because he is sick"; say "He is unable to finish the project today because he is sick".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is incapable of" functions as a predicative adjective phrase. It describes the subject by indicating a lack of ability or capacity to perform a specific action or possess a certain quality. Ludwig provides numerous examples that demonstrate this function in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is incapable of" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to denote a fundamental lack of ability or capacity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous real-world examples from reputable sources, primarily in news and scientific domains. While "is unable to" and "cannot" serve as viable alternatives, "is incapable of" carries a stronger emphasis on inherent limitations. When writing, use "is incapable of" to clearly communicate a definitive inability, especially in formal contexts. However, avoid using it for temporary or circumstantial situations where "is unable to" or "cannot" would be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot

A more direct and common synonym, indicating a lack of ability or permission.

is unable to

A slightly more formal synonym, emphasizing a lack of ability.

is not able to

Similar to "is unable to", but can sometimes imply a temporary inability.

lacks the ability to

Highlights the absence of a specific skill or capacity.

is not equipped to

Implies a lack of necessary resources or skills for a task.

is powerless to

Emphasizes a lack of control or influence over a situation.

is incompetent to

Highlights a lack of necessary skills or qualifications.

is deficient in

Focuses on a specific area of weakness or lack.

is out of the question

Indicates something is not a possibility for consideration.

is beyond one's capabilities

Indicates that a task or ability exceeds someone's current skills or potential.

FAQs

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

Use "is incapable of" to state that someone or something lacks the inherent ability or capacity to do something. For instance, "A computer program is incapable of understanding emotions".

What are some alternatives to "is incapable of"?

You can use alternatives like "is unable to", "cannot", or "lacks the ability to" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "is incapable of" and "is unable to"?

While similar, "is incapable of" often implies a more fundamental or inherent lack of ability, while "is unable to" might suggest a temporary or circumstantial limitation.

When is it more appropriate to use "is incapable of" over other similar phrases?

Use "is incapable of" when emphasizing a permanent or inherent limitation. If the inability is temporary, phrases like "is unable to" or "cannot" might be more suitable.