unable to move

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unable to move" is correct and usable in written English.
Here is an example of how you might use it in a sentence: The frightened animal was rendered immobile by fear, unable to move an inch.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Slahi was shackled and unable to move.

The Guardian

She was bound tight, unable to move.

The Guardian

I stared in horror, unable to move.

The Guardian

Again in June, unable to move.

The Washington Post

I was unable to move and she was unable to move me.

The New Yorker

Baby mice are unable to move their whiskers at birth.

Cornell University

He remains paralyzed, unable to move his arms or legs.

The New York Times

Lions Gate, meanwhile, is unable to move forward.

The New York Times

Some are homeowners unable to move back home.

The New York Times

"I was on the floor and unable to move.

The New York Times - Sports

He is unable to move from the neck down.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a physical condition, use "unable to move" to clearly and directly convey a lack of mobility. For example: "After the accident, she was unable to move her legs."

Common error

Avoid using "unable to move" when describing abstract situations or decisions where a more nuanced phrase would be appropriate. For instance, instead of "The project was unable to move forward," consider "The project stalled" or "The project was delayed."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unable to move" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun (person, object, etc.) to indicate a state of immobility. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

28%

Science

27%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "unable to move" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a state of immobility. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it appears frequently in news, academic, and scientific contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider the specific context and choose synonyms carefully to convey the intended nuance. Avoid overuse in metaphorical contexts where more precise language might be more effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incapable of movement

Emphasizes a general lack of ability to move, potentially due to physical limitations.

immobilized

Focuses on being held or fixed in place, preventing movement.

paralyzed

Indicates a loss of motor function, often due to neurological issues.

motionless

Highlights the absence of movement; can be temporary or permanent.

stuck fast

Suggests being firmly fixed or adhered to something, preventing relocation.

unable to budge

Implies an inability to shift something heavy or difficult to move.

frozen in place

Emphasizes a sudden and unexpected halt to movement, often due to fear or surprise.

restricted in mobility

Describes a limitation in the range or ease of movement.

constrained from moving

Focuses on an external force or limitation preventing movement.

at a standstill

Indicates a complete cessation of movement, whether physical or metaphorical.

FAQs

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

You can use "unable to move" to describe a state of physical immobility, like "The injured player was "unable to move" after the tackle". It can also be used metaphorically, though less commonly.

What are some alternatives to "unable to move"?

Alternatives to "unable to move" include "immobilized", "paralyzed", or "motionless" depending on the context. Each carries slightly different connotations.

Which is correct, "unable to move" or "not able to move"?

"Unable to move" and "not able to move" are both grammatically correct, but "unable to move" is often preferred for its conciseness. The choice depends on the desired tone and flow of the sentence.

What's the difference between "unable to move" and "incapable of moving"?

While similar, "unable to move" often refers to a current state of immobility, whereas "incapable of moving" suggests a more inherent or long-term lack of ability. "Incapable of moving" focuses on a lack of potential or capacity.