not capable of

USAGE SUMMARY

"not capable of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to say someone is not able to do something. For example: He was not capable of understanding the concept.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Now, that sounds like something I'm just not capable of.

Huffington Post

Were women not capable of magic?

The New Yorker

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

I'm not capable of doing nothing.

The Guardian - Film

He is not capable of it.

The New York Times

I'm just not capable of it.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Romantic love is not capable of everything.

The New York Times

And I'm probably not capable of having a plan.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not capable of", ensure that the context clearly specifies what the subject is unable to do. Providing a specific action or skill clarifies the intended meaning and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid overgeneralization when using "not capable of". Instead of saying someone is "not capable", specify the area of inability to provide a more accurate and fair assessment. For example, instead of "He is not capable", consider "He is not capable of managing a large team".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not capable of" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a lack of ability or capacity. Ludwig AI confirms that is a correct and usable expression in written English. Examples include: "He is not capable of murder" or "They are not capable of anything else".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

22%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not capable of" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to denote a lack of ability or capacity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It appears frequently in diverse contexts, ranging from News & Media to scientific and academic writing. When using this phrase, it's crucial to specify the scope of the inability to avoid ambiguity and ensure accurate communication. Alternatives such as "unable to" or "incapable of" can be used interchangeably, although "incapable of" may suggest a more permanent condition. By adhering to best practices and avoiding common errors, writers can effectively and accurately convey the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unable to

Direct synonym, indicating a lack of ability to perform an action.

incapable of

Similar in meaning, often used interchangeably with "not capable of".

lacking the ability to

Explicitly states the absence of a specific ability.

not equipped to

Suggests a lack of necessary resources or skills.

not up to

Implies not meeting the required standard or ability.

without the capacity for

Focuses on the absence of inherent potential or capacity.

deficient in

Highlights a lack of a specific quality or skill.

beyond one's capabilities

Indicates that something exceeds someone's skill or power.

not equal to

Implies a mismatch between requirements and abilities.

unfit for

Suggests unsuitability for a particular task or role.

FAQs

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

You can use "not capable of" to describe someone's inability to perform a specific action or task. For example, "She is not capable of running a marathon" or "The old machine is not capable of handling large volumes of data".

What are some alternatives to "not capable of"?

Alternatives include "unable to", "incapable of", or "lacking the ability to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "not capable of" and "incapable of"?

While similar, "not capable of" may sometimes imply a temporary or situational inability, whereas "incapable of" might suggest a more permanent or inherent lack of ability. However, in most contexts, they are used interchangeably.

When is it appropriate to use "not capable of" in formal writing?

"Not capable of" is suitable for formal writing when you need to clearly and objectively state someone's limitations or inabilities. Ensure the statement is supported by evidence or context to avoid misinterpretation.