make me unable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make me unable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing that something or someone causes you to lose the ability to do something. Example: "The overwhelming stress from work can make me unable to focus on my personal projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But, said International Atomic Energy Agency chief Mohamad ElBaradei, "If a military strike is carried out against Iran at this time... it would make me unable to continue my work".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The gene that makes me unable to survive a twenty-five kiloton blast from a North Korean nuclear warhead.

The New Yorker

"My phone and NBN network went down, making me unable to upload files for deadlines etc," he said.

The Guardian - Business

It was an exercise – she made me stand on my head and write about something without looking at the thing that was making me unable to write".

The Guardian

Symptoms of anxiety which made me unable to take my son for a walk or go to the shops disappeared and my mood lifted.

The Guardian

When the 1969 film "Anne of the Thousand Days" was released, we're informed, Ms. Bordo was in the middle of a "personal rebellion" she sums up as "drop out of school, have a lot of mindless sex, marry someone I didn't love, and then suffer a nervous breakdown that made me unable to leave him".

The New York Times - Books

For that, turn to his cohort Hannibal Buress, who opened the show and remains one of the most searingly funny and culturally astute comedians out there (his riff on rappers "popping molly" and getting super emotional has made me unable to listen to Rick Ross again without cracking up).

Los Angeles Times

I especially cared during the night and it made me unable to concentrate as I almost slept in class".

Globalization and Health

"After Brexit, staying in the U.K. would make me probably unable to take part in EU grants," says Runge, who immediately after the vote experienced difficulties convincing potential EU collaborators to keep him on their grant applications.

Science Magazine

It can be really distracting and make me flustered and unable to focus.

Huffington Post

It's going to make me lethargic and unable to work.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make me unable", ensure the context clearly indicates the cause of the inability. For example, specify what or who is causing the inability for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "make me unable" when you actually mean "discourage me" or "make me hesitant". "Unable" implies a complete lack of capacity, not just a lack of motivation or willingness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make me unable" functions as a causative expression, indicating that something or someone causes a loss of ability or capacity in the speaker. Ludwig examples show this phrase used in various contexts to describe limitations resulting from external factors or internal conditions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

35%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make me unable" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate that something causes a loss of ability. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it's utilized across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. The phrase conveys a sense of restriction or limitation, and while it maintains a neutral tone, it's essential to use it accurately, ensuring it reflects a complete loss of capacity rather than mere discouragement. When aiming for a more formal tone, alternatives such as "render me incapable" can be considered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

render me incapable

Focuses on causing a state of lacking the necessary ability or strength to do something.

leave me powerless

Highlights the loss of power or control, leading to an inability to act.

cause me to be incapable

Emphasizes the causation of a lack of capability.

prevent me from being able

Directly states the prevention of possessing the ability.

make it impossible for me

Shifts the focus to impossibility rather than just inability.

force me into incapacitation

Highlights the forceful nature of the incapacitation.

put me out of commission

Uses an idiomatic expression implying temporary disablement.

disable me

A more direct and concise way of expressing the same concept.

hamper my abilities

Focuses on hindering or impeding existing abilities.

restrict my capacity

Emphasizes limiting the overall capacity to perform.

FAQs

How can I use "make me unable" in a sentence?

You can use "make me unable" to describe a situation or condition that prevents you from doing something. For example: "The medication can "make me unable" to drive".

What's a more formal alternative to "make me unable"?

A more formal alternative is "render me incapable". For instance, "The injury may "render me incapable" of performing my duties".

Is it correct to say "making me unable"?

Yes, "making me unable" is grammatically correct. For example: "The sudden noise, "making me unable" to concentrate, startled me".

What's the difference between "make me unable" and "prevent me from"?

"Make me unable" describes a direct cause of inability, while "prevent me from" suggests an obstruction. "The pain "makes me unable" to walk" versus "The heavy snow "prevents me from" leaving the house".