unable to express

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unable to express" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where someone cannot articulate their thoughts or feelings. Example: "In moments of deep sorrow, I often find myself unable to express the depth of my emotions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He was unable to express what he really felt.

The New Yorker

Unable to express in words his love for Bach, he leaps to the piano and plays.

The Guardian

"At key moments in games, when the pressure really came, they were unable to express themselves.

The Guardian - Sport

He's not out to demonise men unable to express their sensitivity, but offer encouragement instead.

The Guardian - Music

Son is flouncy and intellectual; father is racist, homophobic and unable to express love.

The Guardian

It would be …" He raised his hands, unable to express the awful social implications.

The Guardian - Travel

As for my incoherence, it may well be that I was unable to express myself fluently.

The Economist

"When at 18 my male friends were unable to express their feelings".

Independent

The dance's dramatic arc and intensity, however, were lost as Ms. Orihara was unable to express her character's shifting emotions.

The New York Times - Arts

Unable to express their true feelings, these children grow up unhappy and depressed, out of touch with their real selves.

The Guardian

Swearing betrays a poor vocabulary and shows that you are unable to express yourself clearly and accurately.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unable to express" when you want to convey a sense of difficulty or impossibility in articulating thoughts or feelings. Consider the context to choose the most appropriate synonym for greater precision.

Common error

While "unable to express" is versatile, avoid overuse in formal writing. Opt for alternatives like "incapable of articulating" or "struggling to convey" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unable to express" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating a lack of capacity or ability to articulate thoughts, feelings, or ideas. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is common and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unable to express" is a versatile and grammatically correct phrase used to describe the inability to articulate thoughts, feelings, or ideas. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is common across diverse contexts, including News & Media and Science, indicating its widespread acceptance and utility. While suitable for most situations, formal writing may benefit from using synonyms like "incapable of articulating" for enhanced sophistication. The frequency and consistency of its usage, along with the high-quality sources, support its validity and relevance in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

powerless to express

Emphasizes a lack of power or capacity to convey something.

incapable of articulating

Highlights a lack of skill or ability in expressing oneself clearly.

at a loss for words

Indicates a temporary inability to find the right words.

lost for words

Similar to 'at a loss for words', emphasizing being overcome and unable to speak.

cannot put into words

Focuses on the difficulty of translating thoughts or feelings into a verbal form.

find it hard to express

Highlights the difficulty experienced in expressing something.

struggle to articulate

Emphasizes the effort and difficulty involved in expressing oneself.

fail to convey

Focuses on the lack of success in transmitting a message or feeling.

wordless

Highlights the absence of words, often due to strong emotion.

speechless

Similar to 'wordless', indicating a temporary inability to speak.

FAQs

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

You can use "unable to express" to describe a situation where someone is having difficulty articulating their thoughts or feelings. For example, "After the accident, he was "unable to express" the trauma he experienced".

What are some alternatives to "unable to express"?

Alternatives include "incapable of articulating", "at a loss for words", or "struggle to articulate", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "unable to express" or "incapable of expressing"?

Both "unable to express" and "incapable of expressing" are correct. "Incapable of expressing" may sound slightly more formal, but the choice depends on the context and desired tone.

What's the difference between "unable to express" and "unwilling to express"?

"Unable to express" indicates a lack of ability, while "unwilling to express" suggests a deliberate choice not to express something. For example, someone might be "unable to express" their feelings due to trauma, but "unwilling to express" their opinion due to fear of judgment.