unable to

USAGE SUMMARY

"unable to" is a grammatically correct phrase in written English.
You can use it when expressing a lack of ability to do something. For example: "He was unable to complete the assignment before the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Thatcher unable to attend.

The New Yorker

Unable to try.

The New York Times - Books

Unfortunately, he seems unable to.

The Economist

Beltran was unable to deliver.

The New York Times

MARV ALBERT: Unable to penetrate!

The New Yorker

She was unable to answer.

The Economist

He was unable to reply.

The New Yorker

MARV ALBERT: Unable to recover!

The New Yorker

He is unable to walk".

The New York Times

Ramsay was unable to celebrate.

The New Yorker

He was unable to speak.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unable to", ensure the sentence clearly states the reason for the inability if it's not immediately obvious from the context. Providing context enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

While "unable to" is generally acceptable in most writing, be mindful of the specific tone you want to convey. In very informal settings, consider using "can't" or "not able to" for a more conversational feel.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unable to" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a verb. It indicates a state of incapacity or lack of ability to perform a specific action. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

15%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unable to" is a versatile phrase used to express a lack of ability or capacity. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in various reliable sources, particularly in news media and encyclopedias. While its meaning is clear, it’s crucial to consider the context and desired tone when choosing between "unable to" and more informal alternatives like "can't" or "not able to". Mastering its usage will enhance the clarity and precision of your writing. It's a more formal way of saying someone lacks the capacity to do something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incapable of

Replaces the infinitive construction with a prepositional phrase, focusing on a general lack of capacity.

not able to

A more direct and slightly less formal equivalent, using "able" in the negative.

cannot

A contraction expressing inability, generally used in more informal contexts.

fails to

Shifts the focus to the outcome of not being able to perform an action.

powerless to

Emphasizes a lack of agency or control in preventing something.

without the capacity to

A more verbose and formal way of expressing a lack of ability.

lacking the skill to

Highlights the absence of a specific skill required for an action.

deficient in the ability to

A formal and somewhat clinical way of indicating a lack of ability.

in no position to

Indicates a lack of suitability or readiness to perform an action, often due to circumstances.

prevented from

Focuses on external factors that hinder the ability to perform an action.

FAQs

How can I use "unable to" in a sentence?

You can use "unable to" to indicate a lack of capacity or ability to perform an action. For example, "Due to the heavy rain, we were "unable to continue" the hike."

What are some alternatives to "unable to"?

Alternatives include "incapable of", "not able to", and "cannot", depending on the desired level of formality.

Is there a difference between "unable to" and "not able to"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "unable to" is generally considered more formal than "not able to". Choose the phrase that best suits the tone of your writing.

When should I use "unable to" instead of "can't"?

Use "unable to" in formal writing or when you want to emphasize a more serious or official tone. "Can't" is more appropriate for informal conversations and casual writing.