unable to leave

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unable to leave" is correct and is often used in written English.
For example, "He was unable to leave his home due to the lockdown restrictions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Many refuse or are unable to leave.

The Economist

Knausgaard seems unable to leave anything out.

The New Yorker

Soleimanpour is unable to leave Iran.

The Guardian

An international student: unable to leave, not entitled to stay.

The Guardian

They then find that they are unable to leave.

The New York Times

A wife is unable to leave her husband.

The New Yorker

But we're unable to leave our humanity at the door.

Harvard Business Review

He has been unable to leave the country since.

The New York Times - Magazine

They became trapped, unable to leave the port for fear of being killed or arrested.

The New York Times

Each day, the hotel must first determine which guests are unable to leave.

The New York Times

Other families were much less content, including nine families who were unable to leave Surt.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unable to leave", ensure the context clearly indicates the reason for the inability. Providing specific details enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "unable to leave" without specifying the location or situation. Instead of saying "He was unable to leave", specify "He was unable to leave the country" or "He was unable to leave his house".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unable to leave" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of being restricted or incapable of departing. It frequently follows a linking verb such as "is", "was", or "were". Ludwig provides numerous examples showing its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

20%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "unable to leave" is a versatile and frequently used expression that indicates a state of restriction or incapacity to depart. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appears across various contexts, from news reports to scientific articles. While "unable to leave" is generally neutral in tone, clarity is key: always specify the reason and location to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "prevented from leaving" and "not allowed to leave" can provide nuance depending on the context. With careful usage, "unable to leave" remains a valuable asset in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prevented from leaving

Emphasizes an external force or circumstance that is hindering the act of leaving.

held back from exiting

Indicates a force or reason that is actively preventing someone from leaving.

incapable of departing

Focuses on a general lack of capability to depart, rather than a specific situation preventing departure.

constrained from departing

A more formal way of saying 'prevented from leaving', suggesting a restriction.

not permitted to go

Highlights the lack of authorization or permission to leave.

not in a position to depart

Focuses on a person's current circumstances making it impossible to leave.

stuck and unable to exit

Adds the element of being trapped or immobilized, making departure impossible.

bound to stay

Suggests a commitment or obligation that restricts departure.

forced to remain

Implies coercion or a lack of choice in staying, rather than an inability to leave.

immobilized and unable to move

Highlights physical inability to move and therefore to leave.

FAQs

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

You can use "unable to leave" to describe a situation where someone is prevented or restricted from departing. For example, "Due to the storm, residents were unable to leave the island" or "He was "prevented from leaving" the country because his passport was revoked".

What are some alternatives to "unable to leave"?

Alternatives include "prevented from leaving", "not allowed to leave", "stuck", or "trapped". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "unable to leave" and "not allowed to leave"?

"Unable to leave" generally implies a lack of capability, whether due to physical limitations, circumstances, or restrictions. "Not allowed to leave" specifically indicates a prohibition or lack of permission. While there can be overlap, the emphasis differs.

Which is more formal, "unable to leave" or "prevented from leaving"?

"Prevented from leaving" might be considered slightly more formal than "unable to leave", as it uses a more active and direct verb. However, both phrases are generally acceptable in most formal contexts.