unable to get hold of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unable to get hold of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing difficulty in contacting or reaching someone. Example: "I tried calling her several times, but I was unable to get hold of her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Some Greeks say they are unable to get hold of the medications they need.

The Economist

Cobnut trees are pretty specific to Kent; if you are unable to get hold of any cobnuts, use hazelnuts instead.

Independent

For those unable to get hold of a copy of Ms Wornat's book, an alternative luckily is available.

The Economist

Davenport 0-1* Mauresmo Good start from Mauresmo, who holds easily with Davenport unable to get hold of her serves.

The Guardian - Sport

Unable to get hold of Gordon Brown, the chancellor, or Alastair Campbell, the prime minister's official spokesman, Mr Blair tracked down Mr Whelan.

The Guardian - Business

Red Cross officials were quoted as saying that people left behind in inaccessible villages in southern Lebanon had been unable to get hold of fresh water.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

The Marquess of Northampton had been unable to restore order in and around Norwich, so John Dudley was sent to get hold of Kett's Rebellion.

Wikipedia

To get hold of the game, you'll first need to get hold of a code.

Independent

- Researchers are difficult to get hold of.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

Try to get hold of some booze!

WikiHow

"Lunch" comes after "Breakfast," as it should, and finds two men again waiting for food to be served, but they are unable to get a hold of the waiter.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider if "unable to reach" or "unable to contact" might be more direct and concise alternatives to "unable to get hold of", especially in formal contexts.

Common error

While perfectly acceptable, avoid using "unable to get hold of" excessively in highly formal documents. Opt for more direct alternatives like "unable to contact" or "unreachable" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unable to get hold of" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of unavailability or the inability to establish contact or obtain something. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unable to get hold of" is a commonly used phrase that conveys the inability to contact someone or obtain something. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in a variety of contexts. Although "unable to get hold of" appears most frequently in news and media sources, writers should consider whether more direct alternatives like "unable to reach" or "unable to contact" might be more appropriate for formal writing. While acceptable, overuse in formal documents should be avoided. The phrase serves as a neutral and accessible way to express a lack of access or a failure to connect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unable to reach

Focuses specifically on the inability to make contact.

unable to contact

Similar to 'unable to reach' but with a slightly more formal tone.

unable to find

Emphasizes the inability to locate something.

couldn't get in touch with

A more conversational way of saying that contact could not be established.

failed to contact

Emphasizes the failure aspect of not being able to make contact.

failed to reach

Similar to 'failed to contact', focusing on the act of reaching someone.

unable to acquire

Highlights the inability to obtain or gain possession of something, usually in a formal context.

cannot obtain

Highlights the impossibility of getting something.

cannot secure

Focuses on not being able to ensure or obtain something, often implying a competitive situation.

was unsuccessful in contacting

A more formal and elaborate way of stating the inability to contact someone.

FAQs

What does "unable to get hold of" mean?

The phrase "unable to get hold of" means that someone is having difficulty contacting a person or obtaining something. It suggests an attempt was made but was unsuccessful.

How can I use "unable to get hold of" in a sentence?

You can use "unable to get hold of" in sentences like: "I was unable to get hold of the tickets for the concert" or "The team was unable to get hold of their star player before the game".

What can I say instead of "unable to get hold of"?

You can use alternatives like "unable to reach", "unable to contact", or "unable to find" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "unable to get hold of" or "unable to contact" in a formal email?

In a formal email, "unable to contact" might be preferred over "unable to get hold of" as it sounds more professional and direct.