unable to answer

USAGE SUMMARY

"unable to answer" is a perfectly correct and usable expression in written English.
You can use it to indicate that you are unable to provide an answer to a particular question. For example: I'm sorry, I'm unable to answer your question about what happened to the lost papers.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We are currently unable to answer this question, because all our patients were previously diagnosed with BM.

British Journal of Cancer

She was unable to answer.

The Economist

Unable to answer, he redoubled his malice.

The Guardian - Books

Eventually you're unable to answer any more questions.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A standard survey would be unable to answer this question.

The Guardian

First, the body is unable to answer the heart's call.

The Guardian - Sport

The young man was puzzled and unable to answer.

The Guardian - Books

The contestants were unable to answer most of them.

The New York Times

"Strauss kept asking Hofmannsthal about it and sometimes he was unable to answer," Mr. Bychkov said.

The New York Times - Arts

These are questions that for 10 years I've been unable to answer.

The New York Times

She was moving but appeared unable to answer questions or follow even the simplest command.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context when choosing this phrase. In more formal settings, it might be preferable to use alternatives like "incapable of answering" or "not in a position to answer".

Common error

Avoid phrasing sentences where the actor is unclear. Instead of simply stating "the question was unable to be answered", specify who was "unable to answer" it. This enhances clarity and directness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unable to answer" functions primarily as a predicate adjective phrase within a sentence. It describes the subject's condition or state of being in relation to a question or inquiry. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

36%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unable to answer" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express the lack of capacity to provide a response. Ludwig AI confirms its wide acceptance across diverse contexts such as news, scientific literature, and general conversation. When using this phrase, be mindful of the context and consider the reasons behind the inability to respond, communicating this clearly to your audience. Alternatives such as "cannot respond" or "incapable of answering" may be suitable depending on the desired tone and level of formality. Be sure to avoid passive voice and always be direct for optimal clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot respond

Replaces "unable" with "cannot", focusing on the lack of capacity to respond.

cannot reply

Substitutes "answer" with "reply", highlighting the inability to provide a written or verbal response.

cannot provide an answer

Expands on "answer" to emphasize the lack of an available response.

incapable of answering

Uses "incapable" to stress the lack of ability, maintaining a formal tone.

in no position to answer

Indicates that the inability to answer stems from a lack of authority or knowledge.

not in a position to respond

Emphasizes the lack of authority or knowledge to give a proper response.

have no answer

Indicates a lack of knowledge or a solution to a question or problem.

cannot give a response

Focuses on the inability to provide any kind of reply or reaction.

lack the ability to answer

Highlights the absence of the required skill or capacity to answer.

unprepared to answer

Suggests a lack of readiness or knowledge to provide an answer at the present time.

FAQs

What does "unable to answer" mean?

The phrase "unable to answer" signifies that someone lacks the capacity, knowledge, or authorization to provide a response to a question or inquiry.

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

You can use "unable to answer" in a sentence to indicate an inability to respond, for example: "I am "unable to answer" that question at this time due to confidentiality."

What are some alternatives to "unable to answer"?

Alternatives to "unable to answer" include "cannot respond", "cannot reply", or "incapable of answering", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "unable to answer" or "unwilling to answer"?

The choice between "unable to answer" and "unwilling to answer" depends on the situation. "Unable" implies a lack of capacity, while "unwilling" suggests a refusal or reluctance to provide an answer.