unable to make

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unable to make" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a lack of ability or capacity to create, produce, or perform something. Example: "I am currently unable to make a decision without further information."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is unable to make physical contact.

Independent

Unable to make it to the campus?

Yale University

We are unable to make any exceptions to this requirement.

Stanford University

He was lonely in Tokyo, still unable to make friends.

The New Yorker

"Why?" The man was unable to make himself understood.

The New York Times

Unable to make his way out, he died of exposure.

The New York Times

He is unable to make the trip by public transportation.

The New York Times

Unable to make ends meet, some are now going bust.

The Economist

Other cable anchors have been unable to make the transition.

The New York Times

Bartlett was unable to make her way back to Vashisht.

The Guardian

You're unable to make plans, unable to take action.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unable to make", ensure the context clearly specifies what action cannot be performed and why. For example, "Due to the power outage, we are unable to make any further progress today."

Common error

Avoid using "unable to make" with overly broad or undefined actions. Instead of saying "They were unable to make", specify what they couldn't create or achieve. For example, use "They were unable to make a decision" instead of "They were unable to make."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unable to make" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It indicates a lack of capacity or ability to perform a specific action, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unable to make" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to indicate a lack of capacity or capability. As shown by Ludwig, it appears frequently in news, scientific, and academic contexts, showcasing its widespread applicability. When using this phrase, it's essential to clearly specify the action that cannot be performed to maintain clarity. While generally neutral, "unable to make" leans toward professional and formal settings, making it a reliable choice for diverse writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incapable of making

Replaces "unable" with "incapable", emphasizing a fundamental lack of ability.

not able to create

Uses simpler vocabulary to convey the same meaning.

without the capacity to form

Emphasizes the lack of inherent capacity.

lacking the skill to produce

Highlights a deficiency in skill or expertise.

powerless to construct

Suggests a lack of power or agency.

in no position to generate

Implies situational constraints preventing action.

restricted from building

Focuses on an external restriction.

prevented from developing

Highlights the prevention of something from developing.

failing to assemble

Describes a failure in the process of assembling something.

deficient in crafting

Emphasizes a deficiency in the skill of crafting.

FAQs

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

Use "unable to make" to indicate a lack of ability or capacity to perform a specific action. For example, "Due to the storm, we are "unable to make" the delivery today."

What are some alternatives to "unable to make"?

You can use alternatives like "incapable of making", "not able to create", or "without the capacity to form", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "unable to make" or "can't make"?

"Unable to make" is more formal, while "can't make" is more informal. Use ""unable to make"" in professional or academic writing and "can't make" in casual conversation.

What is the difference between "unable to make" and "unwilling to make"?

"Unable to make" indicates a lack of ability, while "unwilling to make" indicates a lack of desire or motivation. For example, "He was "unable to make" the trip due to illness" versus "He was "unwilling to make" the effort to attend."