unable to change

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unable to change" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition where someone or something cannot be altered or modified. Example: "Despite numerous attempts to improve the system, it remains unable to change to meet the new requirements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the local courts were reluctant or unable to change their archaic procedures to accommodate the changing needs of society.

Harvard University

Unable to change your password?

Cornell University

And so, unable to change, he went.

The Guardian

SM seems unable to change this substantially.

The Guardian

Sadly, he appears unable to change his own character.

The Guardian

He found himself unable to change the subject.

The New Yorker

Unable to change our plans because Avis might punish us?

The New York Times - Travel

"Those that are unwilling or unable to change go away".

The New York Times

Cute, but ultimately unable to change a light bulb unaided.

The Guardian - Opinion

Why was Helen unable to change her behavior?

Harvard Business Review

The chancellor has been unable to change that.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unable to change", ensure the subject and context clearly indicate what is lacking the ability to be changed. For instance, "The software is unable to change its settings without administrator privileges" is clearer than simply stating, "It is unable to change".

Common error

Avoid using "unable to change" to make broad, unsupported claims about people or situations. Instead, provide specific reasons or evidence for the inability to change. For example, instead of saying "People are unable to change", specify, "People with deeply ingrained habits are often unable to change them without professional help".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unable to change" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating a lack of capacity or ability to be altered. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

23%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unable to change" serves to denote a lack of capacity for alteration, as validated by Ludwig AI. This adjective phrase is grammatically sound and demonstrates versatility across a spectrum of contexts, notably in news, academic, and scientific discourse. While alternatives such as "incapable of changing" or "cannot be changed" exist, "unable to change" offers a balanced blend of formality and clarity. For optimal usage, specify the subject and context to avoid vagueness, and be cautious against overgeneralizations. From authoritative sources like The Guardian and The New York Times to academic papers, its frequent appearance underscores its pervasive role in conveying states of immutability or constraint.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incapable of changing

Uses "incapable" instead of "unable", which emphasizes a lack of inherent ability.

cannot be changed

Expresses the lack of possibility for change in a passive voice.

not able to change

A more explicit and slightly less formal way of saying "unable to change".

powerless to alter

Emphasizes a lack of power or agency in effecting change.

helpless to modify

Highlights a sense of helplessness or lack of control over modification.

resistant to change

Suggests an inherent opposition or difficulty in being changed.

fixed and immutable

Emphasizes permanence and the impossibility of alteration.

beyond alteration

Suggests that something is in a condition that makes change impossible.

irreversible state

Indicates that a situation or condition has reached a point where it cannot be reversed or changed.

set in stone

Idiomatic expression indicating that a decision or plan is final and unchangeable.

FAQs

What does "unable to change" mean?

The phrase "unable to change" means lacking the capacity or power to modify, alter, or transform something. It indicates a state of inflexibility or immutability.

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

You can use "unable to change" to describe a person, object, or situation that cannot be altered. For example: "The old system was "unable to adapt" to the new technology". Or "He was "powerless to intervene" and "unable to change" the outcome".

What are some alternatives to "unable to change"?

Some alternatives include "incapable of changing", "cannot be changed", "not able to change", or "resistant to change" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "unable to change" or "not able to change"?

Both "unable to change" and "not able to change" are grammatically correct. "Unable to change" is slightly more formal and concise, while "not able to change" is more explicit. The choice depends on the desired tone and context.