it is unable to

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is unable to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate something is unable to take place or be done. For example, "It is unable to be completed by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

GSAS receives many applications for its programs, and regrettably it is unable to offer admission to every qualified applicant.

Columbia University

Its offices totally destroyed, it is unable to provide leadership.

HuffPost

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

However, it is unable to overcome the structural flaws which came with its birth.

HuffPost

Sadly, it is unable to do so.

The Economist

Given the singular response of the CIBSE approach, it is unable to capture these conditions.

Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics

Nevertheless, it is unable to generate the freeform surfaces very successfully.

International Journal of Machine Tools and Manufacture

Unfortunately, to date, it is unable to handle huge feature spaces typical of CRM applications.

Expert Systems with Applications

In most markets it is unable to compete with other technologies.

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is unable to", ensure the subject "it" is clearly defined and its limitations are relevant to the context. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the reason for the inability.

Common error

While "it is unable to" is grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound stiff. Consider using more direct alternatives like "it cannot" or "it fails to" for a more natural tone, especially in informal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is unable to" functions as a means to express incapacity or the lack of ability to perform a certain action. Ludwig confirms this phrase to be correct and usable in the english language.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

39%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is unable to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to indicate a lack of capacity or capability. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is widespread across various contexts, including science, news media, and academia. While versatile, it leans towards a slightly formal tone, and more direct alternatives like "it cannot" may be suitable for informal situations. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by defining the subject and its limitations. Remember to consider the context and choose the most appropriate phrasing to convey your intended message effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is incapable of

Replaces "unable" with "incapable", implying a lack of inherent ability.

it is not capable of

Uses a more verbose construction to express the same lack of capability.

it cannot

A shorter, more direct way to express inability.

it is impossible to

Shifts the focus to impossibility rather than just inability.

it is not possible to

Similar to "it is impossible to", but perhaps slightly less emphatic.

it lacks the ability to

Highlights the missing ability as the reason for the inability.

it is not designed to

Suggests the inability stems from a deliberate design choice.

it fails to

Focuses on the failure to achieve a certain outcome.

it is unequipped to

Implies a lack of necessary equipment or resources.

it is beyond its capacity to

Indicates that the task exceeds the limits of what it can handle.

FAQs

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

Use "it is unable to" to state the lack of capacity or capability for something. For example, "Due to technical issues, the system "it is unable to" process the request at this time."

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

You can use alternatives such as "it is incapable of", "it cannot", or "it fails to" depending on the context.

Is "it is unable to" formal or informal?

"It is unable to" is generally considered more formal. In informal contexts, using "it cannot" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "it is unable to" and "it is not able to"?

While both phrases convey a lack of ability, "it is unable to" is often perceived as slightly more formal and direct than "it is not able to". They are largely interchangeable, but consider the tone you want to convey.