my inability to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "my inability to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a lack of ability or capability in a certain area. For example, "I was frustrated by my inability to find the right words to express my feelings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

My inability to cook.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

My inability to finish things.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

My inability to love anyone".

The New Yorker

I should factor in my inability to read minds.

The New York Times - Magazine

4. My inability to say "no" equals spiraling labor costs.

The New York Times

Beginning to become worried by my inability to sleep.

The Guardian - Opinion

My inability to give it up seemed like a sign.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Oh, that's right, Stanwick, cry mock my inability to empathize".

The New Yorker

Not as much as my inability to iron bothers certain people in my life, but a hell of a lot more than my inability to iron bothers me.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

my problem is my inability to get the mat nasa has to finish.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"I don't know if it was my inability to get him excited about it," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "my inability to", follow it with a specific and concrete action or skill. Avoid vagueness to ensure the statement is meaningful and actionable.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "my inability to" without explaining the impact or providing context. This can come across as evasive or incomplete. Instead, elaborate on the consequences or reasons behind your limitation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "my inability to" functions as a noun phrase acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces a statement about a person's lack of capacity to perform a specific action, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "my inability to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression for conveying a personal limitation or lack of skill. It appears most often in news and media sources, followed by academic and formal business contexts. Ludwig AI affirms this correctness and usability. When using this phrase, it's important to provide specific context and avoid overuse without explanation. Alternatives include "my lack of ability to" or "my difficulty in", offering subtle variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

my incapability of

This alternative denotes a fundamental lack of aptitude.

my lack of capacity to

This alternative emphasizes the absence of inherent potential or skill.

my deficiency in

This alternative highlights a specific shortcoming in a particular area.

my ineptitude at

This alternative describes awkwardness and unskillfulness

my incompetence at

This alternative directly addresses a lack of proficiency in performing a task.

my failure to

This alternative focuses on the unsuccessful outcome due to the lack of ability.

my struggle with

This alternative underscores the difficulty experienced due to a lack of skill.

my difficulty in

This alternative softens the statement, indicating a challenge rather than a complete inability.

my weakness for

This alternative suggests a susceptibility or vulnerability that hinders performance.

my limitations regarding

This alternative acknowledges constraints that restrict capabilities.

FAQs

How can I use "my inability to" in a sentence?

Use "my inability to" to express a lack of capacity or skill to perform a certain action. For example, "My inability to speak French fluently hindered my communication during the trip."

What are some alternatives to "my inability to"?

You can use alternatives like "my lack of ability to", "my deficiency in", or "my difficulty in" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "my inability to" or "I am unable to"?

Both phrases are correct, but "my inability to" is more formal and emphasizes the lack of ability as a characteristic. "I am unable to" is more direct and focuses on the immediate situation.

What's the difference between "my inability to" and "my unwillingness to"?

"My inability to" indicates a lack of capacity or skill, while "my unwillingness to" suggests a choice not to perform the action, even if capable. The former implies a limitation, while the latter implies a preference or objection.