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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
no capable
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "no capable" is not correct in written English.
It is not a standard expression and does not convey a clear meaning in any context. Example: "The system is no capable of processing that request."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
News & Media
Academia
Encyclopedias
Alternative expressions(6)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
12 human-written examples
No capable rulers followed Henry, and the Latin empire declined.
Encyclopedias
Those fortunate enough to make it to the crude infirmaries found no medicine, no capable staff.
News & Media
But when no capable pilot was available during Alaska's diphtheria epidemic of 1925, a team of mushers battled blizzard conditions and rushed serum to icebound Nome.
Encyclopedias
With no capable or legitimate state to counter it, the Union of Islamic Courts emerged victorious last June, only to be felled in December by an enfeebled transitional government, formed in exile and backed by the Ethiopian military.
Academia
With Obama ruling out US combat troops for now, there is no capable ground force in eastern Syria to capitalise on the air strikes by seizing territory back from Isis.
News & Media
On a recent trail ride, I asked our guide whether the Rock Creek horses mate with each other, and she said, "There are no capable males" at the stable.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
48 human-written examples
But when one is no longer capable of revising one's ends, one is no longer capable of self-governance in that domain.
Science
We are no longer capable of shock or awe.
News & Media
He is no longer capable of telling the truth.
News & Media
Mortier's mother is no longer capable of it.
News & Media
Of such a person we might say, they're no longer capable of P-functioning.
Academia
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Replace "no capable" with "not capable" or "incapable". This ensures grammatical correctness and clarity. For example, instead of "There are no capable males", write "There are no males capable" or "There are not capable males" or "There are incapable males".
Common error
Avoid using "no" directly before an adjective like "capable". Use "not" instead. "No" is typically used before nouns. For example, it's correct to say "no problem", but incorrect to say "no capable".
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "no capable" functions as a descriptive phrase attempting to express a lack of ability or qualification. However, Ludwig AI indicates it is grammatically incorrect. The intended function is to negate the adjective "capable", but the incorrect use of "no" instead of "not" undermines this.
Frequent in
News & Media
40%
Academia
20%
Science
20%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
10%
Wiki
10%
Formal & Business
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, while the phrase "no capable" appears in various sources, it is grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI confirms this, recommending the use of "not capable" or "incapable" instead. Although the phrase's intent is clear – to indicate a lack of ability – its incorrect grammar can undermine the message. Therefore, it's best to avoid "no capable" in formal writing and opt for grammatically correct alternatives. Although the phrase is found in News & Media, Academia, and Science, remember that this does not mean that it's a right way to express the concept.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
not capable
Adds a negative to "capable" instead of using "no".
incapable
Uses a single word to express the lack of capability.
not able
Uses a more basic and common expression for lacking ability.
unable
A single-word equivalent of "not able".
not qualified
Specifically refers to a lack of qualifications for a task.
unfit
Indicates a lack of suitability or competence.
incompetent
Directly states a lack of competence.
lacking the ability
Uses a more descriptive phrase to express the absence of ability.
without the capacity
Emphasizes the absence of inherent capacity.
not up to the task
Idiomatic expression indicating a lack of suitability for a specific job.
FAQs
What is the correct way to say someone lacks ability?
The correct way to say someone lacks ability is to use phrases like "not capable", "incapable", or "not able".
Is "no capable" grammatically correct?
No, "no capable" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing would be "not capable" or "incapable".
What can I use instead of "no capable"?
You can use phrases like "not capable", "unable", or "not qualified" depending on the context.
Which is correct, "no capable" or "not capable"?
"Not capable" is the correct phrase. "No capable" is grammatically incorrect in standard English.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested