is not capable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not capable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that lacks the ability or capacity to perform a certain action or task. Example: "The current software version is not capable of handling large data sets efficiently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Romantic love is not capable of everything.

The New York Times

He is not capable of it.

The New York Times

He is incontinent, and is not capable of urinating.

The New York Times

"The countertenor voice is not capable of such extended virtuosity.

The New Yorker

The E.U. is not capable of doing anything.

The New York Times

"He is not capable of winning back the country".

The New York Times

Brahman is not capable of such transformation or emanation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Salt, on the other hand, is not capable of such a vanishing act.

The New York Times - Science

Just directness, sincerity and the kind of forthrightness that is not capable of being shaken".

The New York Times - Magazine

"The human brain is not capable of manipulating 30,000 of anything.

The New York Times

The extent of such leaking is not capable of finite evidential proof," said the report.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is not capable", ensure the context clearly defines what the subject is incapable of. Specificity enhances clarity and prevents misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "is not capable" when a milder expression like "is unlikely to" or "may struggle to" would be more accurate. Overstating incapability can lead to inaccurate representations and potentially damage credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not capable" functions as a predicate adjective describing the subject's inability to perform a specific action or task. As Ludwig AI points out, it indicates a lack of inherent capacity or ability. This construction is widely recognized and accepted in standard English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is not capable" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a lack of ability or capacity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted in standard English. Its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to scientific and academic writing. While synonyms like "is unable to" or "lacks the ability to" exist, "is not capable" carries a slightly stronger implication of an inherent limitation. Remember to provide specific context to avoid ambiguity. While using this phrase, avoid overstating the incapability, and always ensure accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is unable to

A direct synonym indicating an inability to perform an action.

cannot

A simple and direct way to express inability.

lacks the ability to

Focuses on the absence of a specific skill or power.

is unequipped for

Highlights a deficiency in the necessary resources or qualities.

is deficient in

Highlights a specific area where capability is lacking.

is unfit to

Implies a lack of suitability or qualification for a task.

is not equal to

Suggests the required amount of skill or force can't be generated.

is out of their depth

Suggests that someone is facing a situation beyond their competence.

doesn't have what it takes to

An idiomatic expression indicating a lack of necessary qualities or skills.

falls short of being able to

Emphasizes failure to reach the required level of capability.

FAQs

How can I use "is not capable" in a sentence?

Use "is not capable" to describe a person or thing that lacks the ability, skill, or power to do something. For example, "The old computer "is not capable" of running the latest software".

What are some alternatives to "is not capable"?

Alternatives include "is unable to", "lacks the ability to", or "cannot", depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is there a difference between "is not capable" and "is incapable"?

"Is not capable" and "is incapable" are often used interchangeably, with little practical difference in meaning. Both indicate a lack of ability or capacity.

When is it more appropriate to use "is not capable" versus "is not able"?

"Is not capable" implies a more fundamental lack of capacity or inherent ability, while "is not able" might suggest a temporary or circumstantial inability. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.