not capable of doing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not capable of doing" 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 action or task. Example: "The old computer is not capable of doing the latest software updates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We're not capable of doing zillions yet".

The New York Times

I'm not capable of doing nothing.

The Guardian - Film

However, the hydrodynamic model is not capable of doing that.

Journal of Colloid and Interface Science

There's nothing to indicate we're not capable of doing it".

Independent

The E.U. is not capable of doing anything.

The New York Times

I'm not capable of doing anything like that.

The Guardian

Mimi's not capable of doing that or interested in doing that.

Stanford University

One person is not capable of doing that much damage anyhow".

Independent

Feminist groups, she said, want to tell women: "You're not capable of doing both.

The New York Times

He told me my Dutch government is not capable of doing anything for me".

Independent

I don't know what will happen and I'm not capable of doing anything more".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not capable of doing", ensure the context clearly defines what the subject is unable to do. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "not capable of doing" without a clear object. For example, instead of saying "He's not capable of doing", specify "He's not capable of doing complex calculations".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not capable of doing" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating a lack of ability or capacity to perform a specific action. As Ludwig AI points out, it is used to express that someone or something lacks the necessary skills or resources for a task.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not capable of doing" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a lack of ability or capacity. As shown by Ludwig AI, it appears commonly across diverse sources, including news media, scientific publications, and academic texts. While versatile, clarity is paramount; always specify what the subject is "not capable of doing" to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "unable to do" and "incapable of doing" offer similar meanings, but "not capable of doing" often implies a more fundamental limitation. When writing, aim for precision and context to maximize effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unable to do

Direct synonym, emphasizing the lack of ability.

incapable of doing

Similar in meaning, stressing inherent inability.

not able to do

A more basic and common way to express the same idea.

lacking the ability to do

Highlights the absence of the necessary skill or power.

without the capacity to do

Focuses on the absence of inherent potential.

unfit to perform

Implies unsuitability or disqualification.

not up to doing

Suggests being below the required standard.

beyond one's capabilities

Indicates that something exceeds someone's limits.

not equal to the task

Highlights inadequacy for a specific job or challenge.

can't handle doing

Informal expression suggesting an inability to manage.

FAQs

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

Use "not capable of doing" to describe a lack of ability or skill to perform a specific action. For example, "The software is "not capable of handling" large datasets".

What are some alternatives to "not capable of doing"?

You can use alternatives such as "unable to do", "incapable of doing", or "lacking the ability to do" depending on the context.

Which is correct: "not capable of doing" or "not capable to do"?

"Not capable of doing" is the correct form. The preposition "of" requires a gerund (doing) rather than an infinitive (to do).

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

While both phrases express a lack of ability, "not capable of doing" often implies a more inherent or fundamental lack of capacity, while "unable to do" can refer to a temporary or situational inability.