unable to obtain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unable to obtain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating a lack of ability or means to acquire something. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, we are currently unable to obtain the necessary materials for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cynics think the French were unable to obtain mahogany.

The New York Times - Arts

Unable to obtain gas, she called her home.

The New Yorker

We were unable to obtain that kind of information, however.

The New York Times - Tech

I was unable to obtain similar results for language.

Economics of Education Review

She has been unable to obtain visas for her family.

Independent

The Police Department was unable to obtain statistics for the block by press time.

The New York Times

Doctors working with the Jackson Women's Health Organization were soon unable to obtain admitting privileges.

The Guardian

Both were married, and under Italian law unable to obtain divorces, so their relationship remained discreet.

The Guardian - Music

It lists 29 different areas where they have been unable to obtain information.

The Guardian

Some have been unable to obtain coverage at an affordable price because they have chronic conditions.

The New York Times

Khan was unable to obtain expert assistance to examine the evidence.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unable to obtain" in formal writing, ensure that the reason for the inability is clearly stated to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "unable to obtain" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "couldn't get" or "didn't get" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unable to obtain" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, followed by an infinitive. According to Ludwig AI, it expresses a lack of capacity or means to acquire something. The numerous examples from Ludwig, ranging from news articles to scientific papers, demonstrate its wide applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unable to obtain" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express the lack of ability or means to acquire something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's prevalent across various domains, particularly in news, scientific, and academic writing. While perfectly acceptable, remember to consider your audience and adjust formality as needed by choosing alternatives like "failed to secure" for simpler communications. Be mindful of the context to use it correctly!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incapable of acquiring

Replaces "unable" with "incapable" and "obtain" with "acquiring", emphasizing a lack of inherent ability.

failed to secure

Focuses on the failure to successfully get something, replacing "obtain" with "secure".

could not acquire

Uses "could not" instead of "unable", indicating a lack of possibility.

not in a position to get

Highlights the lack of a favorable situation to acquire something.

prevented from getting

Emphasizes external factors hindering the acquisition.

without the means to acquire

Focuses on lacking the resources or capability to obtain something.

lacking the ability to get

Highlights the absence of the skill or capacity to acquire something.

not able to receive

Focuses on the inability to receive something, potentially due to external factors.

unsuccessful in acquiring

Emphasizes the lack of success in the attempt to obtain something.

finding it impossible to get

Highlights the perceived impossibility of acquiring something.

FAQs

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

The phrase "unable to obtain" is used to describe the lack of ability to get something. For example, "Due to budget cuts, the library was unable to obtain new books this year."

What can I say instead of "unable to obtain"?

Alternatives include "failed to secure", "could not acquire", or "not able to receive", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "unable to obtain" or "unable to attain"?

Both "unable to obtain" and "unable to attain" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Obtain" implies acquiring something tangible or intangible, while "attain" suggests achieving a goal or reaching a certain level. The choice depends on the context.

What's the difference between "unable to obtain" and "difficult to obtain"?

"Unable to obtain" indicates a complete lack of ability to get something, while "difficult to obtain" suggests that it is possible but challenging to acquire. The former implies impossibility, while the latter implies hardship.