no longer capable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "no longer capable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that has lost the ability to perform a task or function that they were once able to do. Example: "After the accident, he was no longer capable of walking without assistance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We are no longer capable of shock or awe.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He is no longer capable of telling the truth.

The Guardian - Film

Mortier's mother is no longer capable of it.

The Guardian - Books

Stamping my feet and waving my arms, I was no longer capable of hearing your answer.

The Guardian - Books

Britain was no longer capable of asserting its majesty over the dominions by 1931.

The Guardian - Opinion

He was no longer capable of looking people in the eye.

The New Yorker

Maybe it was my joggled brain, but I was no longer capable of subtle thought.

The New York Times

"The utilities in the state are no longer capable of resisting," Mr Freeman insists.

The Economist

America is no longer capable of building (or rebuilding) American-made large-scale bridges".

The New York Times

"They want to convince Syrians that they are no longer capable of living together," he said.

The New York Times

But it is already clear that the governor has failed the state and is no longer capable of leading.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "no longer capable", ensure the context clearly indicates what ability has been lost. For example, "After the injury, she was "no longer capable" of running marathons."

Common error

Avoid using "no longer capable" in vague contexts. Instead of saying "The system is "no longer capable"", specify what the system can no longer do to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "no longer capable" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating a state of lost or diminished ability. Examples from Ludwig show it describing individuals, organizations, or systems that have lost a previous capacity. Ludwig AI confirms that this is correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "no longer capable" is a versatile and commonly used expression that indicates a loss of ability. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It is frequently found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, suggesting its widespread use in formal and neutral registers. While alternatives like "unable to" and "incapable of" exist, "no longer capable" specifically implies a change from a previous state. To ensure clarity, always specify what ability has been lost when using this phrase. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "no longer capable" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unable to

Indicates a lack of ability, whether temporary or permanent, very close to original meaning.

not able to

A more direct and less formal way of expressing inability.

incapable of

A synonym that emphasizes a fundamental lack of capacity.

lost the ability to

Highlights the loss of a previously held ability.

cannot

A simple and direct way to express inability.

not in a position to

Suggests inability due to circumstance or situation.

unfit for

Implies a lack of suitability or qualification.

out of condition for

Suggests a decline in physical or mental fitness affecting capability.

past it

Informal way of saying someone is too old or deteriorated to perform a task.

beyond their capacity

Implies that something exceeds someone's limits or abilities.

FAQs

How can I use "no longer capable" in a sentence?

You can use "no longer capable" to describe a loss of ability, as in "After the accident, he was "no longer capable" of walking without assistance" or "The old machine was "no longer capable" of producing high-quality products".

What are some alternatives to "no longer capable"?

Some alternatives to "no longer capable" include "unable to", "incapable of", or "lost the ability to", depending on the context.

Is it better to use "no longer capable" or "unable to"?

"No longer capable" and "unable to" are often interchangeable, but "no longer capable" suggests a loss of a previously held ability, while "unable to" is a more general term for a lack of ability.

What's the difference between "no longer capable" and "no longer competent"?

"No longer capable" generally refers to a loss of physical or mental ability, while "no longer competent" typically refers to a loss of skills or qualifications required for a specific task or role.