unable to operate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unable to operate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which something is not functioning correctly. For example, "The machine was unable to operate due to a power failure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A practice voyage of the Cornish invasion fleet ended in total failure, as the small ships intended for the operation proved unable to operate in open water.

Wikipedia

"Computers are just unable to operate 24/7".

The New York Times

"We've just been unable to operate it profitably".

The New York Times

Plus I am now unable to operate machinery.

The Guardian - Books

It was unable to operate freely from any of the nations bordering Israel.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And they are unable to operate in the Serbian north of Kosovo.

The Economist

EULEX and the ICR will be unable to operate in these areas.

The Economist

The government maintains that Nigeria's oil refineries are currently unable to operate optimally.

The New York Times

This left him unable to operate, shave or even button his shirt.

The New York Times - Style

Even the biggest institutions are unable to operate as discrete organisations.

The Guardian

In Iraq and Syria, journalists have long been unable to operate freely.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unable to operate", ensure the subject and reason for the inability are clear to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify 'The device is unable to operate because of a software glitch' rather than just 'The device is unable to operate'.

Common error

Avoid using "unable to operate" in informal contexts where simpler language like "can't work" or "not working" would be more appropriate. Overly formal language can sound stilted in casual conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unable to operate" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate its incapacity to perform its intended function. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

27%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unable to operate" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to describe a state of non-functionality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in various contexts, from news reports to scientific papers. While generally neutral to formal, it's important to consider the context and choose simpler alternatives like "not working" for informal settings. Remember to be clear about the subject and reason for the inability to avoid any ambiguity. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use "unable to operate" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not capable of operating

Replaces "unable" with "not capable", emphasizing a lack of inherent ability.

incapable of functioning

Substitutes "operate" with "functioning", highlighting the overall functionality.

non-operational

A more formal term, suitable for technical or professional contexts.

out of service

A more concise way to indicate that something is not currently working.

inoperative

A formal synonym for "not working", often used in technical contexts.

not working

A simple and direct way to express that something isn't functioning.

not in working order

A more descriptive way of saying something is not functioning properly.

malfunctioning

Suggests that something is not working correctly due to a fault.

defective

Indicates that something is faulty and therefore unable to work properly.

broken down

Implies a more significant failure or breakdown in functionality.

FAQs

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

You can use "unable to operate" to describe a state of being non-functional. For example, "The machinery was "unable to operate" due to the power outage".

What are some alternatives to "unable to operate"?

Alternatives include "not working", "out of service", or "malfunctioning", depending on the specific context.

Is "unable to operate" formal or informal?

"Unable to operate" is generally considered more formal. In informal settings, phrases like "can't work" or "won't start" might be more suitable.

When should I use "unable to operate" over "not working"?

Use "unable to operate" in more formal or technical contexts, such as official reports or technical manuals. "Not working" is suitable for general conversation and less formal situations.