they were incapable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were incapable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's inability to perform a task or function effectively. Example: "Despite their best efforts, they were incapable of meeting the project's deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They didn't want to spend money or they were incapable".

The Guardian - Film

Consequently, they were incapable of denying the local hero a most memorable farewell.

The Guardian - Sport

Russian peacekeepers and OSCE observers admitted that they were incapable of preventing the lethal attacks.

The Guardian - Opinion

The biggest surprise was that they were incapable of turning pressure into points.

The Guardian - Sport

All of their friends and families said they were incapable of such a horrible crime.

The New York Times

Many of his critics insisted that they were incapable of doing anything but that.

The New York Times

Unspeakably lonely and shackled by grandiose fantasies, they were incapable of forming relationships, not even with a psychoanalyst.

The New York Times

Birds lack a cerebral cortex, which allowed scientists for decades to assume they were incapable of any higher thinking.

The Guardian

"You have to remember that when he took on the job, Democrats were starting to feel like they were incapable of winning," Ms. Price said.

The New York Times

From the time that these chaps got to Patterson, Cus said, they had had him thinking about everything but fighting, about which they were incapable of advising him.

The New Yorker

Jon Miller and Joe Morgan asked softball questions of the old teammates, but they were incapable of giving the expected answers.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an inability, provide reasons or context to give the reader a clear sense of why the subject was incapable, which adds more depth to your writing.

Common error

Avoid overstating the extent of their incapability. Instead of claiming "they were incapable of anything", specify what the subjects couldn't accomplish to maintain accuracy and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were incapable" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject's state of lacking ability or capacity. Ludwig shows this phrase being used to express an inability to perform a specific action or achieve a certain outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

32%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they were incapable" is a frequently used phrase that serves to express a lack of ability or capacity. Ludwig AI analysis indicates its grammatical correctness and widespread presence in reputable news sources, scientific articles, and encyclopedic content. Ludwig's examples show that this phrase is suitable for neutral to formal contexts, conveying limitations in a straightforward manner. When writing, ensure clear context and avoid overstatements for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they lacked the ability

Focuses on the absence of a specific skill or talent required.

they were unable to

A more general way to express the lack of capacity or means to do something.

they couldn't manage to

Emphasizes the difficulty and failure to succeed despite effort.

they were not equipped to

Highlights the lack of necessary resources, training, or qualities.

they were ill-equipped to

Stresses the inadequacy of their preparation or resources.

they were powerless to

Implies a lack of control or influence to change a situation.

they were unfit to

Suggests they did not meet the required standards or qualifications.

they were in no position to

Indicates that circumstances prevented them from doing something.

it was beyond their capabilities

Focuses on exceeding the limits of their skills or resources.

they were out of their depth

Highlights a situation exceeding their experience or understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "they were incapable" in a sentence?

You can use "they were incapable" to describe a lack of ability or capacity. For example, "Due to insufficient training, "they were incapable" of completing the task successfully".

What are some alternatives to "they were incapable"?

Some alternatives include "they were unable", "they lacked the ability", or "they could not", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "they were incapable" or "they were not capable"?

Both "they were incapable" and "they were not capable" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. The choice often depends on stylistic preference or the desired emphasis. "They were incapable" may sound slightly more formal.

What's the difference between "they were incapable" and "they were unwilling"?

"They were incapable" means they lacked the ability or means to do something, while "they were unwilling" means they had the ability but refused to do it. Incapability refers to a lack of capacity, while unwillingness refers to a lack of motivation.