not capable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not capable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that lacks the ability or capacity to perform a specific task or function. Example: "The device is not capable of processing data at such high speeds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"He's not capable.

The New York Times

Were women not capable of magic?

The New Yorker

Romantic love is not capable of everything.

The New York Times

Maybe we're not capable of this.

The New Yorker

My son was not capable of this.

Independent

He's not capable of murder.

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm not capable of killing a man.

The New Yorker

Ask it or are you not capable?

The Guardian - Sport

I'm not capable of doing nothing.

The Guardian - Film

"It isn't that he's not capable.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"He's not capable of winning the Tour, he's not capable of the top five".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not capable", clearly specify what the subject is incapable of doing. This provides context and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "not capable" without a specific object or action. For example, instead of saying "He is not capable", specify "He is not capable of managing a large team".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not capable" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a lack of ability or capacity. Ludwig examples show it used to describe individuals, systems, or processes that lack the necessary skills, resources, or inherent qualities to perform a particular task or function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not capable" is a versatile adjective phrase used to express a lack of ability or capacity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific and formal writing. While closely related to alternatives like "unable to" and "incapable of", "not capable" offers a slightly less formal tone. When using this phrase, it's best practice to clearly specify what the subject is incapable of doing to avoid ambiguity. By understanding its nuances and usage patterns, you can effectively communicate limitations and constraints in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unable to

This alternative is a direct synonym, indicating a lack of ability to perform a specific action.

incapable of

This alternative is a formal synonym, emphasizing an inherent lack of capacity.

lacking the ability to

This alternative explicitly states the absence of a particular skill or capacity.

not equipped to

This alternative highlights the lack of necessary resources or skills.

beyond one's capabilities

This alternative implies that something exceeds someone's maximum potential.

not up to

This alternative suggests a lack of sufficient skill or strength.

unfit for

This alternative indicates that someone or something is unsuitable for a particular purpose.

not equal to

This alternative means that someone or something does not have the level, amount, or quality needed to deal with something.

deficient in

This alternative emphasizes a lack of a specific quality or attribute.

out of one's depth

This alternative suggests a situation exceeding one's competence or understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "not capable" in a sentence?

You can use "not capable" to describe someone or something that lacks the ability or capacity to perform a specific action. For example: "The device is "not capable" of processing data at such high speeds."

What is a more formal alternative to "not capable"?

A more formal alternative to "not capable" is "incapable of". This emphasizes an inherent lack of capacity or ability.

Is there a difference between "unable to" and "not capable"?

While similar, "unable to" often refers to a temporary inability or a situational constraint, whereas "not capable" suggests a more fundamental lack of capacity. So "unable to" could be used to describe that you're temporarily unable to perform a task while "not capable" implies that you're not structured to perform the task.

When should I use "not capable" instead of "cannot"?

"Cannot" is a more general term for expressing inability. "Not capable" is often used when discussing inherent limitations or lack of specific skills. For example, you might say "I cannot attend the meeting" (situational), but "I am "not capable" of performing brain surgery" (lack of skill).