unable to attend

USAGE SUMMARY

"unable to attend" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are unable to attend an event or meeting. For example: "I am sorry, but I am unable to attend the meeting scheduled for Wednesday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Thatcher unable to attend.

The New Yorker

Author was unable to attend V.I.P. events.

The New Yorker

Unable to attend this event?

Columbia University

She was unable to attend the services.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, I was unable to attend.

Princeton University

(Those unable to attend can catch the Webcast).

The New York Times

(Ms. Gill was traveling and unable to attend).

The New York Times

Though he was unable to attend the W.G.U.

The New York Times

He was unable to attend court for sentencing on Monday.

The Guardian

The impact on those unable to attend is not mentioned.

The Guardian

I was unable to attend the press conference in person.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When explaining why you are "unable to attend", provide a brief and polite reason if appropriate. This shows consideration for the inviter and helps maintain good relations.

Common error

While politeness is key, excessively apologizing for being "unable to attend" can weaken your message. A simple explanation is often sufficient.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unable to attend" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying an implied subject (e.g., I am unable to attend). It describes a state of being, specifically the lack of capacity or possibility to be present at a particular event. Ludwig AI indicates this is a standard phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unable to attend" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express an inability to be present at an event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard expression found across diverse contexts, from news reports and academic papers to scientific articles and general discussions. Its usage is frequent in News & Media, Academia, and Science sources. While it maintains a generally neutral to formal tone, it is suitable for most situations where a polite explanation of absence is needed. When using this phrase, it's helpful to provide a brief explanation and avoid excessive apologizing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could not be present

This alternative is a more formal way of expressing absence.

was not able to make it

This is a more informal and conversational way of saying someone couldn't attend.

couldn't make it

A contraction makes this even more informal.

did not attend

This is a straightforward statement of absence, lacking a reason.

was absent from

This phrase is more formal and direct, suitable for official records.

had to miss

This implies a reason or obligation that prevented attendance.

was prevented from attending

This suggests an external factor caused the absence.

not in attendance

A more formal, almost bureaucratic way to state absence.

regrettably absent

This conveys regret and formality regarding the absence.

had a conflict

This suggests that the person was scheduled to be somewhere else or do something else at the same time.

FAQs

How do I politely decline an invitation saying I'm "unable to attend"?

You can politely decline by saying, "Thank you for the invitation, but I am "unable to attend" due to a prior commitment" or "I appreciate the invite, but unfortunately, I won't be able to make it."

What are some formal alternatives to saying I'm "unable to attend"?

Formal alternatives include "I regretfully decline", "I will be absent from", or "I am otherwise engaged". These phrases are suitable for professional or official contexts.

Is it better to say "unable to attend" or "cannot attend"?

Both "unable to attend" and "cannot attend" are grammatically correct and acceptable. "Unable to attend" might sound slightly more formal and polite, but the difference is minimal.

What can I say instead of "unable to attend" if I want to emphasize my disappointment?

You could say, "I'm very sorry, but I am "unable to attend"," or "I wish I could be there, but unfortunately, I "cannot attend"."