unable to complete

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unable to complete" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone or something cannot finish a task or process. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, we are unable to complete the project by the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He's unable to complete another novel.

The New York Times - Books

He was unable to complete the hole.

The New York Times

But the buyer was unable to complete the deal.

The New York Times

She was unable to complete her crossword puzzles.

The New York Times - Magazine

It seems that you were unable to complete this task.

The New Yorker

He felt fatigued, unable to complete his workouts.

The New York Times - Sports

She looked ill, unable to complete a sentence without stopping for a breath.

The New York Times - Magazine

I had been unable to complete a poem or story for months.

The New York Times - Arts

Twenty-nine players were unable to complete the round because of darkness.

The New York Times - Sports

That's why Lonoff was unable to complete the novel he was working on when he died.

The New Yorker

Though he gamely finished the aria an octave lower, he was unable to complete the performance.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unable to complete", ensure the reason for the inability is clear, either stated directly or implied by the context. This helps avoid ambiguity and provides a fuller understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "unable to complete" when a task was simply not started, rather than started but not finished. For instance, say "did not begin" instead of "was unable to complete" if the task never commenced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unable to complete" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating a lack of capacity or possibility to finish something. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and widely used. It suggests a hindrance prevents the action from being finalized.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

34%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "unable to complete" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to convey the inability to finish a task or process. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It appears frequently in various contexts, including news, science, and general communication. When using this phrase, it's important to provide clarity regarding the reason for the inability, avoiding its use when a task simply wasn't initiated. Alternatives like "failed to finish" or "could not complete" may be suitable depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incapable of finishing

Replaces "unable" with "incapable", highlighting a lack of inherent ability.

could not conclude

Uses "could not conclude" to emphasize the lack of a proper ending or resolution.

failed to accomplish

Shifts focus to the failure aspect of not achieving a goal.

did not succeed in finalizing

More verbose and emphasizes the lack of success in bringing something to a final state.

prevented from concluding

Highlights the external factors that hindered the completion.

not in a position to finish

Indicates a situational inability to complete something.

unsuccessful in the completion of

More formal and emphasizes the lack of success with regards to finishing.

halted before the end

Focuses on the action of stopping before reaching the final stage.

abandoned prior to completion

Implies a deliberate decision to stop before something is finished.

left unfinished

Simple and direct, emphasizing the state of being incomplete.

FAQs

What does "unable to complete" mean?

The phrase "unable to complete" means that someone or something is not capable of finishing a task, process, or activity. It suggests a barrier or obstacle prevents the finalization of an action.

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

You can use "unable to complete" in sentences like: "Due to the storm, the delivery driver was "unable to complete" his route", or "The athlete was "unable to complete" the race due to injury".

What are some alternatives to "unable to complete"?

Alternatives include "failed to finish", "could not complete", or "incapable of completing". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is there a difference between "unable to complete" and "did not complete"?

"Unable to complete" implies an inability or a preventing factor that stopped the completion. "Did not complete" is a more neutral statement of fact, without specifying the reason for non-completion. For example, "He was "unable to complete" the exam because he was sick" versus "He "did not complete" the exam".