it is unable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is unable" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate an inability or incapability of something or someone to do an action or fulfill a task. Example: Due to the power outage, the computer system is unable to process any transactions at the moment.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

On the other, it is unable to curb significantly its citizens' demand for the drug.

The Economist

Its sensory organs are well developed, though it is unable to distinguish between colours.

Wikipedia

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

The cow's brow appears furrowed, as if it is unable to decide which one to use.

The New York Times - Magazine

But it is unable to provide a consistent account of these incidents.

The Economist

Yet it is unable to transcend an equally pervasive intellectual and spiritual complacency.

The New Yorker

Google has maintained that it is unable to comply with broad injunctions.

The New York Times - Tech

So it is unable to take into account the role played by fundamentalism.

The New York Times - Arts

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

The Guardian - Sport

It is unable to legislate for issues that have significant support".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is unable" to clearly and directly state a limitation or incapability, avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "it is unable" when a more precise phrase specifying the reason for the inability would be more informative. For example, instead of stating that "the software is unable to run", it's more helpful to say "the software is unable to run due to insufficient memory."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is unable" functions as a statement of incapacity. Based on Ludwig's examples, it indicates that something lacks the ability or means to perform a specific action or fulfill a requirement. The grammatical structure is straightforward, comprising a pronoun, a form of the verb 'to be', and an adjective.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

42%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is unable" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a lack of capability or capacity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and demonstrates its prevalence in diverse contexts, particularly in scientific and news-related domains. While alternatives like "it cannot" offer more concise options, "it is unable" provides a slightly more formal tone. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the reason for the inability whenever possible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it cannot

More direct and concise way of expressing inability, differing in word choice but retaining similar meaning.

it isn't able to

A contraction of "it is not able to", differing slightly in formality.

it is incapable of

Highlights a fundamental inability, differing in formality and emphasis.

it's not capable of

Emphasizes a lack of inherent capacity, differing in structure and adding emphasis.

it lacks the ability to

Highlights the absence of a specific skill or power, differing in structure and formality.

it is not equipped to

Highlights the absence of necessary tools or resources, differing in implying a lack of preparation.

it's not in a position to

Indicates a situational inability, differing in implying external constraints rather than internal limitations.

it's powerless to

Conveys a lack of influence or authority, differing in suggesting a lack of control.

it's just not possible

Expresses impossibility in a more general sense, differing in scope and directness.

it fails to

Indicates a failure to achieve a specific outcome, differing in focusing on the result rather than the ability.

FAQs

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

You can use "it is unable" to express that something lacks the capacity or capability to perform a certain action. For example: "Due to the damage, the device "it is unable" to function properly."

What can I say instead of "it is unable"?

You can use alternatives like "it cannot", "it is incapable of", or "it lacks the ability to" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "it is unable" or "it cannot"?

Both ""it is unable"" and "it cannot" are grammatically correct. "It cannot" is generally considered more concise and informal, while "it is unable" is slightly more formal but conveys the same meaning.

When should I use "it is unable" versus "it is unwilling"?

"It is unable" indicates a lack of capability, while "it is unwilling" suggests a lack of desire or motivation. Use "it is unable" when something lacks the means to do something, and "it is unwilling" when something has the means but chooses not to act.