physically incapable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "physically incapable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who lacks the physical ability to perform a certain action or task. Example: "Due to her injury, she is physically incapable of participating in the marathon this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hospital staff pushed her to do things she was physically incapable of, due to the physical condition they refused to acknowledge she has.

Huffington Post

In fact, he's physically incapable of barking.

The Guardian - Film

He seemed physically incapable of saying the words, "I'll retire".

The New York Times - Magazine

The self-flummoxing Abdul is physically incapable of not reassuring the contestants.

The New Yorker

He passed through a spiritual crisis that rendered him physically incapable of lecturing for a time.

Britannica

Even singers physically incapable of melisma have gone to extremes to include it in songs.

The New York Times - Arts

Above 10km, the modified cargo planes that the Hurricane Hunters use are physically incapable of venturing.

The Economist

My anxiety is so bad I'm, like, physically incapable of being depressed.

The Guardian

The rigid suit meant he was physically incapable of turning his head.

The Guardian - Film

The mousy hero of the slapstick-tinged "This Hurts," Steve (Todd Cerveris), is physically incapable of feeling pain.

The New York Times

The new emir, however, is 75 years old, in ill health and by many accounts physically incapable of governing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "physically incapable", ensure the context clearly indicates the specific action or task the subject is unable to perform. For example, 'Due to her broken leg, she is physically incapable of running the race.'

Common error

Avoid using "physically incapable" in contexts where 'unwilling' or 'lacking motivation' would be more accurate. "He is physically incapable of cleaning his room" is likely an exaggeration; "He is unwilling to clean his room" is more precise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "physically incapable" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of lacking the necessary physical ability to perform a particular action. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "physically incapable" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a lack of physical ability to perform a specific action. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable. Its usage spans across various contexts, from news and media to scientific publications. When using this phrase, ensure the context is clear about what specific action the subject is unable to perform and avoid overgeneralization. Consider alternatives like "not physically able" or "lacking the physical capacity" for nuanced expression. As an adjective phrase, "physically incapable" serves to modify nouns, providing essential information about physical limitations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not physically able

Direct synonym, replacing 'incapable' with 'not able'.

physically unable to

Slightly alters the word order while maintaining the core meaning.

bodily unable to

Replaces 'physically' with 'bodily' for a similar meaning.

lacking the physical capacity

Rephrases using 'lacking' and 'physical capacity' for a more descriptive tone.

unable to perform physically

Focuses on the inability to perform an action due to physical limitations.

not in physical condition to

Emphasizes the state of physical condition as the reason for inability.

physically unfit to

Uses 'unfit' to describe the lack of physical preparedness.

without the physical strength to

Highlights the absence of physical strength as the limiting factor.

restricted by physical limitations

Highlights the presence of limitations that restrict physical ability.

constitutionally unable to

Emphasizes the inherent physical limitations.

FAQs

How can I use "physically incapable" in a sentence?

Use "physically incapable" to describe someone or something that lacks the physical ability to perform a specific action. For example, "Due to the damage caused by the collision, the car was "physically incapable" of transmitting log data to our servers."

What are some alternatives to "physically incapable"?

Some alternatives include "not physically able", "lacking the physical capacity", or "unable to perform physically". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "totally physically incapable"?

While not grammatically incorrect, adding "totally" to "physically incapable" can be redundant. "Physically incapable" already implies a complete lack of physical ability, so "totally" may not add significant meaning. Consider rephrasing for conciseness.

What's the difference between "physically incapable" and "mentally incapable"?

"Physically incapable" refers to a lack of physical ability, while "mentally incapable" refers to a lack of mental capacity or understanding. For example, someone might be "physically incapable" of lifting a heavy object due to injury, while someone else might be "mentally incapable" of managing their own affairs due to a cognitive impairment.