is unable to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is unable to" is correct and is commonly used in written English.
You can use it to express something that cannot be done due to a lack of ability or resources. For example: The city's resources are limited, so it is unable to provide housing for all of its homeless citizens.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is unable to walk".

The New York Times

He is unable to make physical contact.

Independent

Sadly, it is unable to do so.

The Economist

Mr. Wenzel himself is unable to communicate.

The New York Times - Sports

Doug is unable to find his ball.

The New York Times

He is unable to forgive.

The Guardian

She is unable to work.

The Guardian

This mutant is unable to grow photosynthetically.

Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology

"Reverend Greene is unable to defend himself".

The New York Times

"China is unable to affect Japan's choice.

The Guardian

Biggs is unable to walk or talk.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is unable to" when you want to convey a lack of ability or capacity in a formal or neutral tone. Choose stronger synonyms like "cannot" for more direct communication.

Common error

Avoid using "is unable to" in informal contexts where simpler alternatives like "can't" or "cannot" would sound more natural. Overly formal language can sometimes sound stilted or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is unable to" functions as a verbal phrase expressing a lack of capacity or ability to perform a specific action. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across diverse contexts, from news reports to scientific articles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is unable to" is a versatile phrase used to express a lack of ability or capacity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, from news reports to scientific articles. While "cannot" might be more appropriate for informal settings, "is unable to" provides a slightly more formal tone suitable for professional or technical communication. The phrase's frequent occurrence in News & Media, Science, and Academia underscores its adaptability and broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot

A shorter, more direct synonym, lacking the slightly more formal tone of "is unable to".

is not capable of

Focuses on the lack of inherent capacity or skill.

lacks the ability to

Emphasizes the absence of a specific ability.

is incapable of

Highlights a fundamental lack of capacity, often implying a more significant limitation.

is not in a position to

Indicates a lack of opportunity or suitable circumstances.

is prevented from

Suggests an external force or circumstance is hindering action.

is not equipped to

Highlights the absence of necessary tools or resources.

fails to

More direct and concise, suggesting a lack of success in performing an action.

is unequipped to

Suggests a lack of necessary equipment or preparation.

finds it impossible to

Emphasizes the subjective experience of impossibility.

FAQs

How can I use "is unable to" in a sentence?

Use "is unable to" to indicate a lack of ability or capacity. For example, "Due to the storm, the airline "is unable to" offer flights today".

What are some alternatives to saying "is unable to"?

You can use alternatives like "cannot", "is not capable of", or "lacks the ability to" depending on the context. The choice depends on the level of formality and specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it better to use "cannot" instead of "is unable to"?

"Cannot" is generally more direct and suitable for informal contexts. "Is unable to" is more formal and often used when describing limitations in official or technical settings. So it depends on the context and writing style.

Which is correct: "is unable to" or "are unable to"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "is unable to" with singular subjects (e.g., "He is unable to attend"). Use "are unable to" with plural subjects (e.g., "They are unable to attend").