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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
is unable of
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "is unable of" is not correct in standard written English.
The correct expression is "is unable to." Example: "She is unable to attend the meeting due to a prior commitment."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Science
News & Media
Wiki
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
4 human-written examples
Neither were enzymes involved in decarboxylation of histidine and aromatic amino acids found, the latter indicating that L. fermentum 222 is unable of biogenic amine production.
Science
While A. baylyi ADP1 is capable of catabolizing many aromatic inhibitors, such as 4-hydroxybenzoate, vanillate, ferulate, protocatechuate, and benzoate [ 34], it is unable of growing on furfural or 5- hydroxymethyl)furfural as sole carbon sources (data not shown).
Science
We suggest that this behaviour relates to the effect of limited recruitment of new EpoR to the plasma membrane, which is unable of faster recovery after very intense stimulation.
Science
However, whereas the apo-CRP is unable of DNA binding in the absence of cAMP, in the apo-NtcA, the conformation of the helices is permissive for DNA binding [ 6], consistent with in vitro DNA-binding results [ 7].
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
54 human-written examples
Flower is unable, out of professional duty, to name names, to give vent to his genuine frustrations.
News & Media
It is likely that ΔscrA and ΔscrAΔscrB use the complex carbon source for growth even in the presence of high concentration of sucrose since these mutants were unable of transporting sucrose into cell.
Science
The second time, however, the revolt spread into the provinces of Holland and Zealand, and Alba was unable of quelling it.
Wiki
To compare these local ambient gradients, reliably ectothermic bees which are unable of heating the thorax (0 24 h old) can be used as gradient thermometers.
Science
Mature spermatozoa are unable of transcription, translation, and protein synthesis [ 18].
Science
We are unable, of course, to conclude from the study that the relationship holds for all populations.
Science
Namely, under these constraints, certain reversible reactions proceed only in one direction, while other reactions, termed 'blocked', are unable of carrying flux.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Always use "is unable to" instead of "is unable of". This ensures grammatical correctness and clarity in your writing.
Common error
Avoid using "of" after "unable". The correct preposition to use is "to". For instance, instead of writing "He is unable of doing that", write "He is unable to do that".
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
2.2/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "is unable of" functions as an adjectival phrase attempting to describe a lack of ability or capacity. However, it is grammatically incorrect. As Ludwig AI indicates, the correct usage is "is unable to."
Frequent in
Science
40%
News & Media
35%
Wiki
25%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, while the phrase "is unable of" appears in various sources, it's crucial to recognize that it is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "is unable to". As pointed out by Ludwig AI, using the correct preposition ensures clarity and maintains credibility, especially in formal and professional writing. Alternatives such as "is incapable of" or "cannot" offer similar meanings while adhering to grammatical standards. Despite its occurrence in different contexts, prioritizing grammatical accuracy will enhance the quality of your writing.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
is incapable of
Replaces "unable" with "incapable", emphasizing a lack of inherent ability.
is not capable of
A more explicit and slightly more formal way of saying "is incapable of".
cannot
A simple and direct replacement for "is unable to".
is not able to
A more verbose but grammatically correct alternative to "is unable of".
lacks the ability to
Focuses on the missing ability rather than the inability itself.
is deficient in
Highlights a specific area of weakness or lack of skill.
is powerless to
Suggests a lack of power or authority to perform an action.
is helpless to
Implies a state of being unable to act due to circumstances or limitations.
is ill-equipped to
Suggests a lack of necessary resources or skills.
is unsuited to
Indicates a mismatch between the subject and the task or situation.
FAQs
How do I correctly use "is unable of" in a sentence?
The phrase "is unable of" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "is unable to" followed by a verb. For example: "He is unable to attend the meeting."
What are some alternatives to "is unable of"?
Instead of "is unable of", you can use phrases like "is incapable of", "cannot", or "is not able to".
Is "is unable of" acceptable in formal writing?
No, "is unable of" is not acceptable in formal writing. It's considered a grammatical error. Always use "is unable to" or a similar, grammatically correct alternative.
What's the difference between "is unable to" and "is incapable of"?
While both phrases express a lack of ability, "is incapable of" often implies a more fundamental or inherent lack of ability, whereas "is unable to" can refer to a temporary or situational inability.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
2.2/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested