is not capable of

USAGE SUMMARY

"is not capable of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe something that is unable to do or be a specific thing, usually due to a lack of knowledge, understanding, or skill. For example, "The student is not capable of solving the complex math problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Romantic love is not capable of everything.

The New York Times

He is not capable of it.

The New York Times

The average customer is not capable of detecting such manipulation.

Yale University

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

However, the hydrodynamic model is not capable of doing that.

Journal of Colloid and Interface Science

That doesn't mean that a horse is not capable of thinking.

Cornell University

Hence what is not capable of moral action cannot do anything by chance.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is not capable of", ensure that the limitation is clearly defined. Specify what the subject is unable to do and, if relevant, why. For example: "The software is not capable of processing large datasets due to memory constraints."

Common error

Avoid using "is not capable of" without specifying the limitation. Saying "the system is not capable" is less effective than saying "the system is not capable of handling real-time data analysis".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not capable of" functions as a predicate adjective, modifying a subject by indicating its inability or lack of capacity to perform a particular action or exhibit a specific quality. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing how this phrase is used in various contexts to express limitations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Academia

22%

Science

21%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is not capable of" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to express a lack of ability or capacity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used and accepted in written English. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for various contexts, including news, academic writing, and general discourse. While direct alternatives like "is unable to" exist, "is not capable of" provides a slightly more formal emphasis on inherent limitations. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what the subject is unable to do and why.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is unable to

Direct synonym, expressing an inability to perform an action.

is incapable of

A more formal synonym emphasizing a fundamental lack of capacity.

cannot

A simple and direct way to express inability.

lacks the ability to

Emphasizes the absence of a specific skill or power.

is not equipped to

Suggests a lack of necessary resources or preparation.

is not designed for

Implies the subject was not intended or created for a particular purpose.

is not up to the task of

Implying that one does not meet the minimal conditions to take on a challenge.

is beyond the scope of

Indicates that something is outside the limits of what is possible or relevant.

falls short of being able to

Expresses that something almost can do something, but in the end it cannot.

doesn't have what it takes to

More informal way to express that something doesn't possess needed qualities.

FAQs

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

Use "is not capable of" to indicate a lack of ability or capacity. For example, "The old computer "is not capable of" running the latest software".

What are some alternatives to "is not capable of"?

You can use alternatives like "is unable to", "is incapable of", or "lacks the ability to" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "is not capable of" or "cannot"?

Both are correct, but ""is not capable of"" is more formal and emphasizes a fundamental limitation, while "cannot" is a simpler, more direct expression of inability.

What's the difference between "is not capable of" and "is not designed for"?

"Is not capable of" indicates a general lack of ability, while "is not designed for" implies that something was not intended or created for a specific purpose, even if it might technically be able to do it.