it is not able to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is not able to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the inability of a subject to perform a specific action or task. Example: "The machine is not able to process the data due to a technical error."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Furthermore, and partly because of its reliance to gradients, it is not able to handle noisy observations.

Journal of Computational Physics

It is not able to sell its oil unencumbered and when it does it is not able to access the proceeds of its sale freely".

The Guardian

But, it is not able to achieve its proper share in the Arabian Gulf market due to difficult seawater composition and extensive historical use of thermal desalination.

Desalination

This implies a neutral role overall when using Tamoxifen in basal patients since it is not able to reverse its interacting proteins in basal condition.

BMC Genomics

If the okra is cooked whole, it is not able to release its gelatinous substance.[3].

WikiHow

A cicada's bacterial symbionts provide the insect with the essential amino acids it is not able to get from its diet.

Genome Biology and Evolution

The main limitation with this technique is that its sensitivity is considered to be low and also that it is not able to assess the disease activity.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

It is not able to produce real change.

The New York Times

It is not able to say whether they have been lost or destroyed.

Independent

But it is not able to keep the show up past Aug.

The New York Times

But quality is poor and low volumes mean it is not able to compete on cost.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, consider using "it is not able to" for clarity and precision, especially when the inability stems from specific limitations or constraints. For instance, "The software is not able to process files larger than 2GB".

Common error

In casual conversation or informal writing, using "it is not able to" can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for a simpler alternative like "it can't" or "it's unable to" to maintain a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is not able to" functions as a modal expression of inability. It indicates that a subject lacks the capacity, skill, or means to perform a specific action. Ludwig examples show this phrase in various contexts, confirming its role in expressing limitations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is not able to" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express inability or lack of capacity. While perfectly acceptable, it tends to lean towards a slightly more formal register. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across various contexts, especially in scientific and news-related domains. Remember that simpler alternatives like ""it cannot"" may be more appropriate in informal settings. When choosing between "it is not able to" and alternatives, consider the context and desired level of formality to communicate effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it cannot

This is a direct contraction, creating a shorter, more informal equivalent.

it's unable to

Uses a contraction for "it is", making it slightly less formal than the original.

it is incapable of

Emphasizes a lack of inherent capacity or skill.

it lacks the capacity to

Focuses on the absence of required resources or abilities.

it does not have the ability to

More verbose, explicitly stating the absence of ability.

it is not equipped to

Highlights a lack of necessary tools or preparation.

it fails to

Indicates a lack of success in performing an action.

it is powerless to

Emphasizes a lack of influence or control over a situation.

it is prevented from

Suggests an external force is hindering the action.

it is beyond its capabilities to

Highlights that the action exceeds the subject's limits.

FAQs

What is the difference between "it is not able to" and "it cannot"?

While both express inability, "it cannot" is generally more concise and suitable for informal contexts. "It is not able to" is often used in more formal writing where precision and clarity are prioritized. Consider replacing "it is not able to" with "it cannot" in informal contexts.

What are some alternatives to "it is not able to"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like ""it cannot"", "it is unable to", "it lacks the ability to", or "it is incapable of" to convey a similar meaning.

How can I use "it is not able to" in a sentence?

You can use "it is not able to" to indicate a lack of capacity or capability. For example, "The system is not able to handle the increased traffic volume" or "The device is not able to connect to the network without a password".

Is it grammatically correct to say "it is not able to"?

Yes, "it is not able to" is grammatically correct. It follows standard English sentence structure and is widely used in both formal and informal writing, although simpler alternatives might be preferred in casual contexts.