probably incapable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "probably incapable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express uncertainty about someone's ability to perform a task or function. Example: "Given the circumstances, he is probably incapable of completing the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

But at that point he was probably incapable of interviewing ordinary people.

The New York Times - Books

The specimen poses a conundrum for researchers, because despite its impressive wings, the animal was probably incapable of flight.

The Guardian

"Brecht was uninterested in translation and probably incapable of it," Eric Bentley writes in the introduction to his English translation of the play, presented here.

The New York Times

"Trump has not mastered that art and is probably incapable of that art, and doesn't realize that government is different than business," he told me.

The New Yorker

Despite being frostbitten and knowing that he was probably incapable of traversing the ropes that led to safety, he said he was reasonably comfortable and told her not to "worry too much".

The Guardian

This means that although the dietary proteins were consumed for energy production, the amounts of carbohydrate consumed was probably incapable of raising T3 levels.

International Aquatic Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Mr. Meadows doesn't let the cast members play their lines for sentimentality, though Mr. Ifans and Mr. Carlyle would probably be incapable of it.

The New York Times

But a study by Stuart Humphries of the University of Reading in England and colleagues shows that the pterosaurs probably were incapable of such skimming behavior.

The New York Times - Science

Lucas uses these references with a childlike lack of irony that Scorsese, De Palma, or Spielberg would probably be incapable of, because they grew up with the movies.

The New Yorker

Western democracies "will probably be incapable of maintaining their global competitiveness in the upcoming decades and will instead be scaled down unless they are capable of changing themselves significantly," Mr. Orban said in the speech, according to an English translation on the government's website.

The New York Times

Its important to note though that this team last year probably was incapable of even being in that position, and even if the late giveaway surely reminded many of the bad days of 2012, this team has indeed looked better, even if its not quite 100% there.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "probably incapable", consider the degree of certainty you wish to convey. Alternatives like "likely unable" or "possibly unable" can fine-tune the level of confidence expressed.

Common error

Avoid using "probably incapable" when there is near certainty. In such cases, "almost certainly incapable" or "definitely incapable" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "probably incapable" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, indicating a lack of ability with a degree of uncertainty. As indicated by Ludwig AI, this expresses that someone or something most likely cannot perform an action or function effectively.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

33%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "probably incapable" is a grammatically correct adjectival phrase used to express uncertainty regarding someone or something's ability. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it appears frequently in various contexts, primarily in news and media, and scientific articles. While suitable for both formal and informal communication, careful consideration should be given to the degree of certainty being conveyed. Related phrases, like "likely unable" or "possibly unable", offer alternative ways to express similar meanings with slight differences in emphasis. It is important not to overstate certainty when using this phrase, as alternatives may be more appropriate in situations where near certainty exists.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost certainly incapable

Strengthens the probability of being incapable, indicating a high degree of confidence.

more than likely incapable

Expresses a strong likelihood of incapability, similar to "almost certainly incapable".

most likely unable

Replaces "probably" with "most likely" to convey a similar level of probability regarding the inability.

likely unable

Emphasizes likelihood and lack of ability. Shifts focus slightly from capability to the expected outcome.

in all likelihood unable

Highlights that inability is very likely to be the case.

possibly unable

Indicates a possibility of being unable, suggesting less certainty than "probably incapable".

may well be incapable

Suggests that incapability is a distinct possibility.

potentially incapable

Focuses on the potential for incapability, highlighting a future possibility.

presumably unable

Implies that inability is being assumed based on available evidence or assumptions.

conceivably unable

Indicates that it is conceivable that someone is unable, opening up the possibility while not directly stating it.

FAQs

How to use "probably incapable" in a sentence?

You can use "probably incapable" to express uncertainty about someone or something's ability to perform a specific action. For example: "He is "probably incapable" of understanding complex concepts."

What can I say instead of "probably incapable"?

You can use alternatives like "likely unable", "possibly unable", or "potentially incapable" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "probably incapable" or "likely incapable"?

Both "probably incapable" and "likely incapable" are grammatically correct and convey similar meanings. The choice between them often depends on personal preference or the specific nuance you wish to express.

What's the difference between "probably incapable" and "definitely incapable"?

"Probably incapable" suggests uncertainty about someone's ability, while "definitely incapable" indicates a high level of certainty that someone lacks the ability.