unable to destroy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unable to destroy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something cannot be eliminated or eradicated. Example: "The virus proved to be resilient, and scientists found themselves unable to destroy it completely."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Similarly, an American counter force capability, assuming it could be built, would be unable to destroy Russia's missile submarines.

The New York Times

When the fighting ended with a ceasefire in August, Hezbollah claimed victory because Israel had been unable to destroy the organization.

Stanford University

Although Stuart acquired crucial intelligence from captured Yankee troops, he found to his dismay that he was unable to destroy the solid iron railroad bridge.

The New York Times

In individuals with Chédiak-Higashi syndrome, the phagocytes have large, abnormally formed vesicles that make the cells more rigid, less mobile, and unable to destroy microorganisms.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After the Battle of Jemmingen, the Spanish appeared to have suppressed the Dutch Revolt but were unable to destroy it completely.

Britannica

A6 The crew of the Navy surveillance plane forced to land in China last month was unable to destroy or dump all its classified materials.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Unable to completely destroy her constantly regenerating body, the people of Arctica removed her heart and tore it into three pieces, imprisoned her within a cocoon, and sealed the pieces of her heart inside three stone statues which they spread across the world.

Wikipedia

28– 33 Nevertheless, the poor outcomes in NSCLC indicate that in many cases, the immune system is ultimately unable to completely destroy cancerous cells.

Cancer Management and Research

Alhakim said as a result of the takeover of Muthanna, Iraq was unable to fulfil its obligations to destroy chemical weapons because of the deteriorating security situation.

The Guardian

Even, Vishnu requests Shiva to destroy Varaha, unable to control his own form.

Wikipedia

(Even Richard Nixon, who, in 1971, hatched a plan to rid the B.L.S. of what he thought was a "Jewish cabal" out to destroy him, was unable to undercut the bureau's independence).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unable to destroy", ensure the context clearly indicates what is preventing the destruction. Providing this context adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "unable to destroy" when a situation implies a lack of desire rather than a lack of capacity. Choose language that accurately reflects the intention or cause of inaction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unable to destroy" functions as a verb phrase indicating a lack of capacity or capability to eliminate or eradicate something. Ludwig AI shows that this construction is frequently used in various contexts to express an inability to bring about destruction.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

28%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "unable to destroy" effectively communicates a lack of capacity or power to eliminate something. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, encyclopedias and Wiki articles. When using this phrase, it's crucial to provide sufficient context to clarify what prevents the destruction. While primarily neutral in register, the specific nuance can be tailored with alternatives like "incapable of destroying" or "failed to destroy" to better suit the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incapable of destroying

Replaces "unable" with a direct synonym, "incapable", maintaining the original structure.

not able to destroy

A slightly more informal and direct way of saying "unable to destroy".

could not destroy

Uses "could not" as a more direct and simple alternative to "unable to".

powerless to destroy

Emphasizes the lack of power or capacity to cause destruction.

helpless to destroy

Highlights a feeling of helplessness in the face of something that needs to be destroyed.

failed to destroy

Shifts the focus to a past attempt that did not succeed.

without the ability to destroy

Expands the phrase to explicitly state the absence of an ability.

lacking the capacity to destroy

Similar to the previous one, but uses "capacity" instead of "ability".

prevented from destroying

Suggests an external force or circumstance is hindering the act of destruction.

incapacitated from destroying

Focuses on a state of being incapacitated or disabled from destroying something.

FAQs

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

Use "unable to destroy" to indicate a lack of capacity or power to eliminate something. For example, "The army was unable to destroy the enemy's fortifications."

What are some alternatives to "unable to destroy"?

You can use alternatives like "incapable of destroying", "powerless to destroy", or "failed to destroy" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "unable to destroy" or "could not destroy"?

Both "unable to destroy" and "could not destroy" are grammatically correct. "Unable to destroy" often implies a more inherent lack of ability, while "could not destroy" can also refer to a specific instance where destruction was not possible.

What does "unable to destroy" imply about the subject?

"Unable to destroy" suggests the subject lacks the necessary power, resources, or conditions to eliminate or ruin something. It highlights a limitation in their capacity to cause destruction.