might not be able to attend

USAGE SUMMARY

"might not be able to attend" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to express uncertainty about being able to take part in something. For example, "I'm sorry, I might not be able to attend the meeting tomorrow due to an unexpected work commitment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

"If I didn't have it, I might not be able to attend at all," she said.

The New York Times

Polish officials worried that world leaders might not be able to attend Sunday's funeral for its president.

The New York Times

We will also endeavor to record the session for those who might not be able to attend in person.

Yale University

Putting that financial backing in is important, because it means people can participate who otherwise might not be able to attend.

The Guardian

At a gala dinner, the charity gave out more than 100 scholarships worth $1,000 and free laptop computers, together worth more than $400,000, to students who otherwise might not be able to attend college.

The New York Times

One young man said that he might not be able to attend college, because he and his parents had illegally entered the country, from Mexico, when he was a baby.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Otherwise, large centers may not be able to attend to single patients as it might be possible in smaller centers.

Diabetes Care

Professor Sedivy will not be able to attend the Institute.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Professor Feng will not be able to attend the Institute.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Professor Bruening will not be able to attend the Institute.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Professor Anagnostopoulou will not be able to attend the Institute.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When indicating uncertainty about attending, use "might not be able to attend" to convey a polite and professional tone. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal settings.

Common error

While "might not be able to attend" is appropriate, avoid using it repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Vary your language with alternatives like "may be unable to attend" or "circumstances may prevent attendance" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "might not be able to attend" functions as an expression of possibility or uncertainty regarding one's ability to participate in an event or activity. Ludwig AI identifies it as a grammatically correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

26%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "might not be able to attend" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express uncertainty about attending an event, as validated by Ludwig AI. Its register is neutral, making it suitable for various contexts. While common in news, academic, and formal settings, varying your language is advisable to maintain reader interest. Using alternatives like "may be unable to attend" can enrich your writing while conveying the same meaning. Keep in mind that this phrasing leaves room for the possibility of attending. It is therefore more appropriate than a definitive statement of non-attendance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be unable to attend

Uses 'may' instead of 'might', suggesting a slightly different nuance of possibility, and replaces 'not be able' with 'unable'.

might be unable to make it

Replaces "attend" with the more informal "make it", implying a potential absence from an event or meeting.

might not be present

Focuses on the state of being "present" or "absent", rather than the act of attending.

may have to miss it

Expresses a potential need to be absent, using the verb "miss" instead of "attend".

might be forced to skip

Indicates a possible, yet unwanted absence. The term “skip” is more informal.

could potentially not attend

Introduces 'potentially' to soften the statement, while maintaining a formal tone.

might have a conflict

Indicates that a scheduling issue makes attendance difficult.

might be indisposed

Replaces the entire phrase with a single, more formal word suggesting unavailability due to illness or other reasons.

circumstances may prevent attendance

Presents the inability to attend as a result of external circumstances in a formal style.

unable to guarantee my presence

Emphasizes the uncertainty of attendance, shifting the focus to a lack of guarantee.

FAQs

How can I politely decline an invitation using "might not be able to attend"?

You can say, "Thank you for the invitation! I appreciate it. I "might not be able to attend" due to a prior engagement, but I'll let you know as soon as possible."

What are some formal alternatives to "might not be able to attend"?

Formal alternatives include phrases like "may be unable to attend" or "unforeseen circumstances may prevent my attendance".

How does "might not be able to attend" differ from "will not be able to attend"?

"Might not be able to attend" indicates uncertainty, while "will not be able to attend" is a definite statement of non-attendance. The former leaves room for a possibility of attending, whereas the latter does not.

What can I say instead of "I might not be able to attend" to express regret?

You can express regret by saying, "I'm very sorry, but I "might not be able to attend". I wish I could be there!"