not amenable to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not amenable to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is not open to suggestion, influence, or change. Example: "The proposal was deemed not amenable to further discussion, as the committee had already made its decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"There were clearly elements not amenable to engagement".

The New Yorker

Pakistan's entrenched problems are not amenable to quick fixes.

The New York Times

"Insects and plants are not amenable to human ideology.

The Guardian

4. "Dark" meaning not reflecting, not amenable to suggestion.

The New Yorker

"I made it clear yesterday that I am not amenable to that.

The Guardian - Sport

Climate change is a so-called 'wicked problem' that is not amenable to single action strategies.

The Guardian

But people with the disorder are not amenable to any reassurance, he said.

The Guardian

"It's a ploy to slip through provisions that are not amenable to developing country efforts.

The Guardian

But some spouses are not amenable to even the most enlightened management.

The Economist

So what's with the rush to declare our problems structural, not amenable to easy solution?

The New York Times

Such approaches are also not amenable to statistical analysis.

Carbon Balance and Management

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not amenable to", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being resisted or is unsuitable. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens the statement's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "not amenable to" when a simple lack of interest or priority is the real issue. The phrase implies a fundamental incompatibility or resistance, not just a passing disinclination.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not amenable to" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun by indicating a lack of suitability, receptiveness, or compatibility. It describes something as being resistant or unresponsive to a particular treatment, method, or influence. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, the phrase is often used in formal and technical contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not amenable to" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something is unsuitable, unresponsive, or incompatible with a particular approach. As supported by Ludwig's examples, its use is prevalent in scientific, news, and business contexts, indicating a formal register. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines what is being resisted to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as ""not receptive to"" or ""resistant to"" can provide nuanced variations depending on the specific meaning you aim to convey. Overall, this phrase offers a precise and effective way to communicate limitations or incompatibilities in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not receptive to

Focuses on a lack of willingness to accept or consider something.

not susceptible to

Highlights a resistance to being affected or influenced by something.

not inclined to

Emphasizes a lack of desire or motivation to do something.

not open to

Indicates a closed-mindedness or unwillingness to consider alternatives.

resistant to

Highlights active opposition or a difficulty in being changed or affected.

unresponsive to

Emphasizes a lack of reaction or change in response to a stimulus.

not adaptable to

Focuses on the inability to adjust or change to fit new conditions.

incompatible with

Indicates a fundamental conflict or inability to coexist harmoniously.

unsuited for

Highlights the inappropriateness or unfitness of something for a particular purpose.

impervious to

Emphasizes the inability to be affected or harmed by something.

FAQs

How can I use "not amenable to" in a sentence?

Use "not amenable to" to indicate that something is resistant to or incompatible with a particular action, treatment, or approach. For example, "This data is "not amenable to" statistical analysis."

What are some alternatives to "not amenable to"?

Alternatives include "not receptive to", "unsuited for", or "resistant to", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "not amenable to" or "not susceptible to"?

Both phrases are valid, but "not amenable to" generally implies a lack of compatibility or responsiveness to a process or treatment, while "not susceptible to" indicates resistance to being affected or influenced.

What's the difference between "not amenable to" and "not open to"?

"Not amenable to" suggests a fundamental unsuitability, while "not open to" indicates a lack of willingness to consider or accept something. The former implies inherent resistance, the latter implies a choice.