not suitable for

USAGE SUMMARY

"not suitable for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to express that something is not appropriate for a certain situation. For example: This movie is not suitable for children under the age of 13.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Attend "Not Suitable for Children".

The New York Times

"It's not suitable for Egypt".

The New Yorker

Not suitable for small children.

The Guardian - Travel

Not suitable for children under 6.

The New York Times

Islamic ideology is not suitable for that.

The New Yorker

"It is not suitable for foreign guests".

The New York Times

Not suitable for buggies or wheelchairs.

The Guardian - Travel

However, it's not suitable for family viewing.

The Guardian - Tech

And they are not suitable for children.

The New York Times - Magazine

She was not suitable for habitation.

The New Yorker

It's probably not suitable for formal papers.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not suitable for", clearly specify the reason for the unsuitability to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "This product is not suitable", specify "This product is not suitable for children under 3 years old because of small parts."

Common error

Avoid using "not suitable for" without a specific context. Saying something is simply "not suitable" can be vague and unhelpful. Always clarify why it's unsuitable to ensure clear communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not suitable for" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It indicates that something lacks the qualities or characteristics needed to be appropriate or effective in a specific context, similar to the usage illustrated in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

14%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Science

11%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not suitable for" is a versatile and commonly used phrase for indicating a lack of appropriateness or fitness. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. While it is generally acceptable in both formal and informal contexts, clarity is paramount: always specify the reason for the unsuitability. Alternatives like "inappropriate for" or "unfit for" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. As a best practice, be specific about why something isn't suitable to avoid ambiguity. Its frequency and use across diverse source types, including news, wikis and formal documents, demonstrate its broad acceptance and utility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inappropriate for

Emphasizes a lack of appropriateness in a given context.

unfit for

Highlights a lack of necessary qualities or conditions.

unacceptable for

Focuses on not meeting required standards or expectations.

incompatible with

Indicates a lack of harmony or ability to coexist effectively.

ill-advised for

Suggests that a course of action is unwise or imprudent.

not designed for

Implies a mismatch between the intended purpose and the actual use.

not meant for

Similar to "not designed for", indicating an original intention.

not intended for

Like "not meant for", emphasizes the original intent.

contraindicated for

Often used in medical contexts, meaning inadvisable due to potential harm.

out of place in

Indicates that something feels wrong or inappropriate in a certain setting.

FAQs

How do I use "not suitable for" in a sentence?

You can use "not suitable for" to indicate that something isn't appropriate or fitting for a particular purpose, person, or situation. For example, "This movie is not suitable for young children", or "This type of exercise is not suitable for individuals with heart conditions."

What are some alternatives to "not suitable for"?

Some alternatives include "inappropriate for", "unfit for", "unacceptable for", and "incompatible with". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "not suitable for" or "unsuitable for"?

Both "not suitable for" and "unsuitable for" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Not suitable for" is slightly more common, but "unsuitable for" can be a more concise option in some cases.

Can "not suitable for" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "not suitable for" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. Its neutrality allows it to function well in a variety of registers and contexts.