is unable to access

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is unable to access" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where someone or something cannot reach or obtain access to a resource, system, or information. Example: "The user is unable to access the database due to a permissions issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

What is happening to everyone who is unable to access advice?

The Guardian

Without it, he is unable to access valuable information that makes farming in this difficult, drought-prone terrain more practicable.

The Guardian - Tech

When few CBP molecules are available to co-activate p53, it is unable to access and bind to DNA.

Stanford University

Instead a golf course for the wealthy now stands between him and his salmon fishing boat, with Forbes complaining he is unable to access the beach to fish.

The Guardian - Opinion

In one non-public case, the US government says it is unable to access messages sent on Facebook's Whatsapp service despite having a court order.

The Guardian - Tech

Nevertheless, the inactivity of FnCas9 on the same target in living K562 cells suggests that FnCas9 is unable to access the target site within the natural chromatin environment.

Nature

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Some users are unable to access Canvas.

Yale University

Investigators have been unable to access the sticks.

The Guardian - Business

Users are unable to access the Sourceforge web site.

Cornell University

Users are unable to access the Confluence web site.

Cornell University

Many Tanzanians are unable to access the main power grid.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about access issues, clarify the reason why someone "is unable to access" something. This adds clarity and context to your writing.

Common error

Be specific about what the subject "is unable to access". Saying "the system is inaccessible" is less informative than "the user is unable to access the database due to a password error".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is unable to access" functions as a verb phrase expressing inability. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in English, describing a situation where someone or something cannot reach or obtain access.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

30%

Academia

22%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is unable to access" is a versatile expression used to indicate a lack of ability or permission to reach or use something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English. As a verb phrase expressing inability, it commonly appears in news, scientific, and academic contexts. While "is unable to access" is correct, consider using alternatives like "cannot access" for conciseness or "lacks access to" to emphasize the absence of access. When using this phrase, providing clear reasons for the inability improves the clarity and informative quality of the writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot access

This is a more concise and direct way of expressing the same idea.

is not able to access

This alternative maintains the same level of formality while using a slightly different structure.

lacks access to

This alternative shifts the focus to the absence of access rather than the inability.

is denied access to

This phrase implies that access has been actively prevented or refused.

is restricted from accessing

This suggests that there are limitations or regulations preventing access.

finds it impossible to access

This emphasizes the difficulty or infeasibility of gaining access.

is barred from accessing

This suggests a formal or legal prohibition against accessing something.

does not have permission to access

This alternative highlights the lack of authorization to access something.

is precluded from accessing

This indicates that something prevents or makes access impossible.

is locked out of

This idiom suggests that access has been actively blocked, often unexpectedly.

FAQs

What's a more concise way to say "is unable to access"?

A simpler and more direct alternative to "is unable to access" is to use the phrase "cannot access". This option reduces wordiness while maintaining the same meaning.

How does "is unable to access" differ from "is not allowed to access"?

"Is unable to access" indicates a lack of capacity or possibility, while "is not allowed to access" implies a restriction or prohibition. For example, a user might be unable to access a system due to a technical error, but not allowed to access it due to security settings.

When is it appropriate to use "is unable to access"?

Use "is unable to access" when referring to situations where access is prevented by technical, physical, or circumstantial limitations, rather than explicit permissions. It is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts.

What are some other phrases similar to "is unable to access"?

Alternatives include "lacks access to", "is denied access to", and "is restricted from accessing", which can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. For example, "lacks access" implies a general deficiency, while "is denied access" suggests a deliberate refusal.