is unable to do so

USAGE SUMMARY

"is unable to do so" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone's inability to take some desired action. For example, "Despite his best efforts to complete the assignment, John is unable to do so."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Clearly, it is unable to do so, having lost control over areas occupied by IS.

BBC

Sadly, it is unable to do so.

The Economist

He also wishes to commit suicide, but is unable to do so without assistance.

The Guardian

As it stands now, D.C. law is unable to do so.

The Washington Post

If Dell is unable to do so, then the buyers have a right to terminate the deal.

The New York Times

Though he tries to recreate his life out of the half memories, he is unable to do so.

The New Yorker

While the PPMS measures Cp(T) near the second-order transition accurately, it is unable to do so in the vicinity of the first-order transition.

Cryogenics

He also wishes to kill himself, but is unable to do so without assistance from someone else.

The Guardian

If he is unable to do so, the Constitution says that new elections would have to be called within 30 days.

The New York Times

"He is very disappointed that he is unable to do so but looks forward to renewing his plans in the not too distant future".

Independent

If Eastern is unable to do so, the lenders have said they would not extend modifications of covenants of the $2.5 billion debt.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is unable to do so" when you want to clearly and formally state that someone or something lacks the capacity or means to perform a specific action. It's suitable for both general and technical writing.

Common error

Avoid using "is unable to do so" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "can't" or "unable to" are often more appropriate and natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is unable to do so" functions as a predicate adjective, expressing the subject's lack of capacity or capability to perform a specific action. As Ludwig examples show, this phrase frequently replaces a more detailed explanation of inability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

39%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is unable to do so" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase that clearly expresses an inability to perform a specific action. According to Ludwig AI, it is perfectly acceptable in written English. While versatile, it leans towards a formal register and is commonly found in news, scientific, and general contexts. When aiming for more casual language, consider using simpler alternatives. This expression serves as a practical way to express someone's inability to take a desired action in an effective way.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot do it

Direct synonym, simply replacing "unable" with "cannot".

is not capable of doing so

Replaces "unable" with a more formal expression "not capable".

is incapable of doing so

Similar to "not capable", but slightly stronger in expressing the inability.

lacks the capacity to do so

Uses "lacks the capacity" to indicate an absence of ability.

is prevented from doing so

Focuses on external factors hindering the action.

is not in a position to do so

Indicates that circumstances prevent the action, rather than inherent inability.

is not allowed to do so

Similar to "not permitted", emphasizing a lack of authorization.

is not permitted to do so

Indicates a lack of permission, rather than ability.

is powerless to do so

Emphasizes a lack of power or influence to perform the action.

fails to do so

Shifts the focus to the unsuccessful outcome rather than the inability.

FAQs

What does "is unable to do so" mean?

The phrase "is unable to do so" means that someone or something lacks the capacity, ability, or means to perform a particular action or task. It indicates a state of being incapable of achieving a specific outcome.

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

You can use "is unable to do so" to explain why an action wasn't or couldn't be performed. For example, "Due to the damage, the machine "cannot operate"" or "Because of the injury, he "cannot participate"".

What are some alternatives to "is unable to do so"?

Alternatives include "cannot do it", "is not capable of doing so", or "lacks the capacity to do so" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "is unable to do so" formal or informal?

"Is unable to do so" is generally considered a more formal expression. In informal contexts, simpler phrases like "can't do it" or "is not able to" might be more appropriate.