not able to decipher text

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not able to decipher text" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where someone cannot understand or interpret written information. Example: "After staring at the document for hours, I realized I was not able to decipher the text."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The archaeologists were able to decipher text on what was possibly a monument to commemorate victory in battle by a king of Aram over Israel.

The New York Times

We weren't able to decipher it yet.

Huffington Post

Although the script itself is not eroded or otherwise degraded, he said, researchers are not yet able to decipher it because the text is in an informal cursive script and is apparently deliberately cryptic.

Los Angeles Times

Don't expect your teachers to not be able to decipher these sorts of notes in class.

WikiHow

Without that key someone who intercepts the message, even knowing how it was coded, would not be able to decipher it.

The New York Times - Books

Biologists have observed precisely timed neural impulses in sensory systems of other animals, but they have not been able to decipher the meaning behind the patterns.

Science Magazine

In other words, the dust ball may be smart, but scientists might not be able to decipher its intelligence.

Los Angeles Times

Firms sometimes go straight to the public with their client's legislative message, but in ways the public might not be able to decipher.

Huffington Post

Many terms and fees are buried in difficult-to-read prospectuses, and you may not be able to decipher the true costs of some investments.

Huffington Post

New technology makes it possible to decipher text printed on a stack of pages.

MIT Technology Review

This mountain road used to be the only access into town and was heavily signposted with peligroso (danger) signs that Larry wasn't yet able to decipher.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a specific instance, follow "not able to decipher text" with the exact type of "text", like handwriting, code, or ancient script. This provides clarity and context for the reader.

Common error

Avoid substituting simpler words like "understand" with more complex terms unless precision is required. Overly formal language can sometimes obscure the meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not able to decipher text" functions as a descriptive phrase indicating a lack of capacity or ability to understand written content. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in multiple contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

25%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not able to decipher text" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to express the inability to understand written material. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its acceptability and widespread use across various contexts. While alternatives like "unable to understand the text" or "cannot read the text" exist, the original phrase remains a clear and effective way to convey this meaning. Remember to provide context by specifying the type of "text" when possible, and avoid using overly complicated language when simpler terms will suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unable to understand the text

Replaces "not able" with "unable", maintaining the same core meaning.

incapable of interpreting the text

Substitutes "not able" with "incapable" and "decipher" with "interpret", offering a more formal tone.

cannot read the text

Uses simpler vocabulary to convey the inability to understand the written content.

unable to decode the text

Replaces "decipher" with "decode", keeping a similar level of formality.

the text is unintelligible

Shifts the focus to the text itself being impossible to understand.

the text is incomprehensible

Similar to "unintelligible", emphasizing the lack of understandable content.

cannot make sense of the text

Emphasizes the lack of coherence or meaning that the reader can extract.

find the text indecipherable

Uses "indecipherable" as an adjective to describe the text.

the meaning of the text eludes me

Expresses the difficulty in grasping the text's meaning from a personal perspective.

the text defies interpretation

Presents the text as actively resisting understanding.

FAQs

What does "not able to decipher text" mean?

It means being unable to understand or interpret written information due to its complexity, obscurity, or unfamiliarity.

Which is correct, "not able to decipher text" or "unable to decipher text"?

Both phrases are correct and generally interchangeable. "Unable to decipher text" is slightly more concise and often preferred in formal writing.

What can I say instead of "not able to decipher text"?

You can use alternatives like "unable to understand the text", "incapable of interpreting the text", or "cannot read the text" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "not able to decipher text" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to clearly state the inability to understand written content. Use it in situations where the difficulty in understanding the text is relevant to the overall message.