unable to discover

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unable to discover" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a lack of ability to find or uncover something. Example: "After several attempts to locate the missing document, I am still unable to discover its whereabouts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We have, however, been unable to discover any other name by which he has been known".

The New York Times

Their son, Adam, has said he has been unable to discover any news.

The Guardian

There must be a rational explanation but I was unable to discover it.

The Guardian - Travel

They have been unable to discover who took the picture, where or when.

The Guardian - Money

The government, for all its enforcement agencies, was unable to discover either the location or the membership of this enterprise.

The Guardian - Books

But the trial was unable to discover these "responders" along the way, much less examine what might have accounted for the difference.

The New York Times

But Harvey was markedly unhappy after the game, acknowledging he was tired but blaming himself for being unable to discover a workaround.

The New York Times - Sports

Unusual "comma stones," the meaning of which if they had any scholars have been unable to discover, have been found scattered throughout the Antilles.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Bellos reports: "Researchers were unable to discover whether women use the same terms, since they are not supposed to know the number system and refused to answer questions".

The Guardian - Books

Among the new law's provisions is one that obliges professionals to cease a business relationship if they are unable to discover the true identity of their client.

The Guardian - Business

Local legend has it that secret meetings used to take place there, but whether Luddite machine-wreckers or the then unpopular Methodists I have been unable to discover.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unable to discover", ensure that the context clearly indicates what efforts were made to find the information. Adding details about the search process strengthens the statement.

Common error

Avoid attributing the inability to discover something to a lack of effort when other factors, such as the unavailability of information, are the primary cause.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unable to discover" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating a lack of capacity or opportunity to find or learn something. As Ludwig shows, it commonly describes situations where effort has been made but without success.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

27%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unable to discover" serves to express an inability to find or uncover something, as confirmed by Ludwig. Appearing most frequently in News & Media and Scientific contexts, its formality leans towards neutral but finds greater resonance in academia. When employing this phrase, it is best to provide context on the search efforts and avoid overstating the reason for failure. Alternatives such as "failed to find" or "could not detect" can provide similar meaning with different nuances. Understanding these subtle variations allows for more precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

failed to find

Replaces "unable" with "failed", focusing on the lack of success in finding something.

could not detect

Emphasizes the inability to perceive or identify something, often used in technical contexts.

did not uncover

Highlights the lack of revealing or exposing something hidden or unknown.

have not ascertained

Focuses on the inability to confirm or establish something definitively.

were unsuccessful in locating

More formal and emphasizes the lack of success in finding the whereabouts of something.

did not manage to unearth

Emphasizes the difficulty and effort involved in finding something hidden or deeply buried.

found it impossible to ascertain

Highlights the level of difficulty and indicates certainty about the impossibility of discovering something.

remained unaware of

Shifts the focus to a state of not knowing, rather than the action of searching.

were blind to

Suggests a lack of perception or understanding, implying something was present but unnoticed.

missed the opportunity to identify

Focuses on the failure to recognize or distinguish something when the chance was available.

FAQs

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

You can use "unable to discover" to express a failure to find or learn something, as in "Researchers were unable to discover the cause of the illness" or "I was unable to discover any information about his whereabouts".

What can I say instead of "unable to discover"?

Alternatives include "failed to find", "could not detect", or "did not uncover", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more formal to say "unable to discover" or "couldn't find"?

"Unable to discover" is generally more formal than "couldn't find". The former is suitable for academic or professional writing, while the latter is more appropriate for informal contexts.

What's the difference between "unable to discover" and "unable to ascertain"?

"Unable to discover" implies a failure to find something, while "unable to ascertain" /s/unable+to+ascertain implies a failure to confirm or establish something with certainty. The choice depends on whether you're talking about finding information or confirming its validity.