unable to proceed

USAGE SUMMARY

'unable to proceed' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to an inability to take an action (or multiple actions) in a specific situation. Example: Due to the weather, we were unable to proceed with the outdoor barbecue as planned.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Despite the removal of Smith, the Napthine government remains unable to proceed with its legislative agenda.

The Guardian - Opinion

He is unable to proceed when the music stops, due to defective mechanism.

The New Yorker

Unable to proceed to university, he took a job with the Cambridge academic booksellers Bowes and Bowes.

The Guardian

As the battle intensified, the band found itself unable to proceed with a planned tour, Mr. Richardson said.

The New York Times - Arts

The board dismissed an ethics complaint against Dr. James in January, saying it was unable to proceed.

The New York Times

If the hijackers had been able to imagine themselves into the thoughts and feelings of the passengers, they would have been unable to proceed.

The Guardian

On Sunday the prime minister, Nawaz Sharif, said during a visit to London that the government would be "unable to proceed further" with talks following the Peshawar attack.

The Guardian

Six months later, a day's sail away from the Antarctic landmass, the ship was struck in pack ice, unable to proceed.

The New York Times

A new fence has been built along the Israel-Egyptian border in Sinai, and groups of Eritrean survivors of torture huddle against it, unable to proceed.

The Guardian

In September he reportedly received emergency treatment in New York City, where he was unable to proceed with an address to the United Nations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The stability fund "is currently unable to proceed until this technical aspect is resolved," Christophe Frankel, its chief financial officer, said in a statement.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unable to proceed", ensure you clearly state the reason for the inability to continue. This provides context and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "unable to proceed" without specifying what action is being halted. For example, instead of saying "The project was unable to proceed", specify "The project was unable to proceed due to lack of funding."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unable to proceed" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying an implied or stated subject, indicating an inability to continue with a specific action. Ludwig confirms its correct usage and meaning in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unable to proceed" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that indicates an inability to continue with a specific action or process. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Scientific publications. For clear communication, it's best practice to specify the reasons behind the inability to proceed, avoiding vague statements. Alternatives such as "cannot continue" or "prevented from continuing" offer similar meanings with slight nuances in formality. Understanding these nuances can help in choosing the most appropriate phrase for the intended audience and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot continue

This alternative is a more direct and less formal way of expressing the inability to proceed.

cannot move forward

This alternative emphasizes the lack of progress in a situation.

prevented from continuing

This alternative emphasizes an external force causing the inability to proceed.

hindered from proceeding

This alternative implies that progress is being slowed or obstructed, not necessarily stopped completely.

forced to halt

This alternative suggests that the action was stopped abruptly and against one's will.

unable to carry on

This alternative focuses on the inability to maintain or sustain the current activity.

at a standstill

This alternative emphasizes the state of inactivity or lack of progress.

stuck

This alternative is a more informal way of saying "unable to proceed" indicating being trapped or unable to move.

deadlocked

This alternative implies a situation where opposing forces prevent any forward movement.

incapable of progressing

This alternative focuses on the lack of capability to make further progress.

FAQs

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

You can use "unable to proceed" to describe a situation where an action or process is halted. For instance, "Due to technical difficulties, we are unable to proceed with the presentation" or "The negotiations were unable to proceed after the disagreement".

What are some alternatives to saying "unable to proceed"?

Alternatives include "cannot continue", "cannot move forward", or "prevented from continuing", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "unable to proceed" or "unable to continue"?

Both "unable to proceed" and "unable to continue" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice depends on the specific context and desired tone. "Unable to proceed" might sound slightly more formal.

What causes someone to be "unable to proceed"?

A person or process may be "unable to proceed" for various reasons, such as lack of resources, technical difficulties, legal obstacles, or disagreements. The specific cause should be clearly stated for clarity.