not be able

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not be able" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express an inability to do something in the future or in a hypothetical situation. Example: "I will not be able to attend the meeting due to a prior commitment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

China might not be able to.

The New York Times

She would not be able to eat.

The New Yorker

Some may not be able to.

The Economist

they would not be able to compete.

University of California, Berkeley

He may not be able to.

The Guardian

They may not be able to".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

But I've not been able to.

The New Yorker

Ziad had not been able to wait.

The New Yorker

Not being able to read, in fact.

The Guardian - Books

Not being able to get to sleep.

The Guardian

Not being able to take a risk.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not be able", ensure the sentence clearly indicates the reason for the inability to provide context for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "not be able" in overly complex sentences where the intended meaning might be unclear. Simplify the sentence structure to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not be able" functions as a modal phrase indicating a lack of ability or capability. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is used to express an inability to do something in the future or a hypothetical situation. It modifies verbs to express possibility, necessity, or permission.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

32%

Science

16%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not be able" is a common and grammatically correct way to express an inability or lack of capacity. Ludwig AI validates its usability across various contexts. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Academic settings, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. Alternative phrases like "unable to" or "cannot" can be used depending on the desired level of formality. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates the reason for the inability to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot

This is a more direct and concise way to express inability.

unable to

This is a more formal alternative to "cannot" with a similar degree of interchangeability.

will be unable to

Specifies future inability.

incapable of

This suggests a fundamental lack of capacity or skill.

not have the capacity to

Emphasizes a lack of resources or means to perform something.

lack the ability to

Highlights the missing skill or competence.

fail to

Focuses on the negative outcome of not achieving something.

be powerless to

Indicates a lack of influence or control over a situation.

be in no position to

Implies that circumstances prevent someone from doing something.

find it impossible to

Highlights the difficulty or unfeasibility of an action.

FAQs

How can I use "not be able" in a sentence?

You can use "not be able" to express an inability to perform an action, such as "I will "not be able" to attend the meeting" or "They might "not be able" to complete the project on time".

What are some alternatives to "not be able"?

Some alternatives include "unable to", "cannot", or "incapable of", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is there a difference between "not be able to" and "unable to"?

While both phrases express an inability, "unable to" is often considered more formal than "not be able to". They are generally interchangeable in most contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "not be able" in formal writing?

The phrase "not be able" is acceptable in most writing contexts, including formal writing. However, in highly formal or technical writing, consider using "unable to" or a more precise alternative to maintain a professional tone.