is unable to perform

USAGE SUMMARY

"is unable to perform" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone's inability to complete a task or fulfill a duty. Example: The injured athlete is unable to perform in the upcoming competition due to a sprained ankle.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As such, it is unable to perform properly the job for which it was created.

The Guardian - Sport

The key question is who determines if a President is unable to perform his duties?

The New York Times

"Clearly, while he remains in the custody of the U.S. government he is unable to perform his duties".

The New York Times - Tech

"The federal government is unable to perform this task," said Mr. Nelson, a former governor of Nebraska.

The New York Times

She is unable to perform the clichés — high notes, melismatic runs — that might tempt a more dramatic singer.

The New Yorker

Sometimes, however, the event is so disturbing that the system is unable to perform these natural functions.

The New York Times

If El-Amin is unable to perform, Connecticut will turn to two freshmen, first Tony Robertson, and then Marcus Cox, to orchestrate its game plan.

The New York Times - Sports

Christopher Walken, on tour in Russia with a solo show inspired by everyone's favorite Chekhovian sociopath, mysteriously falls off the ladder and is unable to perform.

Stanford University

Current 2-D ultrasound technology is unable to perform a midline neuraxial needle insertion under real-time ultrasound guidance using a standard needle and without an assistant.

Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology

As Taguchi method is unable to perform multi-objective optimization combined approach of Taguchi and Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) is carried out.

Measurement

At least 30 people executed in the last two decades met the generally understood definition for mental retardation: a person of "significantly subaverage intelligence," who is unable to perform the tasks to function normally in society.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is unable to perform", ensure the reason for the inability is clear from the context. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid constructing overly passive sentences with "is unable to perform". Sometimes, rephrasing in the active voice (e.g., "it cannot perform") can make the sentence more direct and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is unable to perform" functions as a verb phrase indicating a lack of ability or capability to execute a particular action or task. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

35%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is unable to perform" is a versatile and frequently used expression indicating a lack of capacity or capability. Ludwig AI highlights its grammatical correctness and widespread adoption across various domains. Linguistic analysis reveals its function as a verb phrase, serving to express limitation or deficiency in a neutral register. While highly common in News & Media, Science and Academia, its versatility allows for usage across diverse writing styles. Remember to ensure clarity regarding the cause of inability and consider the impact of active versus passive voice constructions. Considering semantically similar phrases, such as "is incapable of performing" or "cannot execute" may result in prose that is more impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is incapable of performing

Changes "unable" to "incapable", emphasizing a lack of inherent ability.

lacks the capacity to perform

Emphasizes the absence of the necessary capacity or resources.

cannot execute

Replaces "perform" with "execute", suggesting a more formal or technical context.

is unable to undertake

Replaces "perform" with "undertake", implying a more significant or complex task.

is unfit to carry out

Shifts the focus to suitability rather than just ability.

is deficient in the ability to perform

More formal and emphasizes a lack of skill.

is unequipped to handle

Suggests a lack of preparation or necessary tools.

is prevented from performing

Highlights external factors hindering the action.

is powerless to act

Conveys a sense of helplessness or lack of agency.

fails to perform

Focuses on the outcome of not performing, rather than the inability.

FAQs

What does "is unable to perform" mean?

The phrase "is unable to perform" indicates that someone or something lacks the capacity or capability to carry out a specific action or task. It suggests a deficiency or hindrance preventing the performance of said action.

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

You can use "is unable to perform" to describe limitations or inabilities. For example: "Due to the injury, the athlete "is unable to perform"." or "The software "is unable to perform" complex calculations."

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

Alternatives include "is incapable of performing", "cannot execute", or "lacks the capacity to perform". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "is unable to perform" formal or informal?

"Is unable to perform" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts. While not overly colloquial, it's versatile enough for various writing styles. For more formal settings, consider phrases like "lacks the capacity to perform".