they are unable

USAGE SUMMARY

"they are unable" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a lack of capability or ability to do something. For example: "They are unable to accept any more applications for the position."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They are unable to run," he mused.

The New York Times

They are unable to find it.

The New Yorker

"They are unable or unwilling to socialize.

The New York Times

"They are unable to conduct election campaigns.

The Guardian

It also means they are unable to take it.

The Economist

So they are unable to come up with an alternative.

The New York Times

They are unable to pass on wealth through inheritance.

The Guardian

They even kill fish they are unable to swallow.

The New York Times

They then find that they are unable to leave.

The New York Times

They feel they are unable to get justice".

The New York Times

As a result, they are unable or disinclined to spend.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they are unable", ensure the context clearly defines who "they" refers to, avoiding ambiguity. For instance, specify "the developers are unable to meet the deadline" instead of just "they are unable".

Common error

Avoid using "they are unable" without a clear antecedent for "they". Unclear references can confuse the reader. Always ensure the subject is explicitly stated or easily inferred from the preceding context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are unable" functions as a declarative statement expressing a lack of capacity or ability. As Ludwig examples show, it's used to state that a group or entity lacks the means or power to perform a specific action. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

44%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they are unable" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate a lack of capability or capacity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, and analysis of real-world examples shows its prevalence across diverse contexts, including news, science, and business. When writing, ensure clear pronoun references and consider more nuanced alternatives like "they are incapable" or "they lack the capacity" depending on the intended meaning. Overall, "they are unable" is a versatile and reliable phrase for expressing limitations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are incapable

Replaces "unable" with "incapable", a direct synonym, slightly more formal.

they cannot

Uses the contraction "cannot" instead of "are unable", making it slightly less formal.

they are just not able

Adds "just" for emphasis, conveying a stronger sense of inability.

they lack the capacity

Substitutes "are unable" with a more descriptive phrase emphasizing missing capacity.

they find it impossible

Focuses on the perceived impossibility of the task.

they are prevented from

Similar to "restricted from", but emphasizes active prevention.

they haven't the ability

More formal and emphasizes the absence of the required ability.

they are restricted from

Highlights an external constraint causing the inability.

they are not in a position to

Indicates a lack of suitability or preparedness rather than a direct inability.

it is beyond their power

Emphasizes a lack of control or influence rather than simple inability.

FAQs

How can I use "they are unable" in a sentence?

Use "they are unable" to express a lack of capacity or capability. For example, "Due to the storm, "they are unable" to deliver the packages today."

What are some alternatives to "they are unable"?

You can use alternatives like "they are incapable", "they cannot", or "they lack the capacity" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "they are unable" or "they cannot"?

"They are unable" is generally considered more formal than "they cannot". Use ""they are unable"" in formal writing and ""they cannot"" in less formal contexts.

What's the difference between "they are unable" and "they are unwilling"?

"They are unable" means they lack the capacity or means to do something, while "they are unwilling" means they have the capacity but choose not to do it. The difference lies in capability versus choice.