unable to provide

USAGE SUMMARY

"unable to provide" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing an inability to deliver a service or provide something. For example: "The company was unable to provide the customer with the requested product."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was unable to provide her address.

Independent

Individual sensors are unable to provide such accuracy.

Robotics and Autonomous Systems

He was unable to provide further details about the decision.

The New York Times - Tech

The league was unable to provide specific figures.

The New York Times

Mr. Greenberg was unable to provide a cost estimate.

The New York Times

They were unable to provide verifiable identification, Mr. Browne said.

The New York Times

The company said it was unable to provide specific numbers.

The New York Times

Nevertheless, SLSC is unable to provide a good imaging resolution.

Computers in Biology and Medicine

But he feels unable to provide him a valuable future.

The New York Times

However, we are unable to provide anyone with full support.

Cornell University

Mr Kabila has been unable to provide it.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unable to provide", clearly state the reason for the inability to avoid ambiguity. For example, "Due to technical difficulties, we are "unable to provide" the service at this time".

Common error

Don't just state that you are "unable to provide". Instead, explain the limitation. For example, avoid saying "We are "unable to provide"", and instead say "We are "unable to provide" a full refund due to our policy."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unable to provide" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a verb, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of lacking the capacity or capability to supply something. Ludwig examples show its versatile use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "unable to provide" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression indicating a lack of capacity or capability to supply something. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it is commonly used across various contexts, including news, science, and business, maintaining a neutral register suitable for professional communication. The primary purpose is to inform or explain a limitation, and it is crucial to provide context when using this phrase to avoid ambiguity. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, suggesting it's a reliable choice for expressing limitations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot supply

Emphasizes the impossibility of delivering or providing something needed.

not able to furnish

States a direct inability to supply or equip something.

cannot furnish

Indicates an inability to supply or equip something, often due to a lack of resources.

incapable of giving

Highlights a fundamental lack of ability to offer or present something.

lacking the capacity to provide

Emphasizes a deficiency in the ability to deliver something.

not equipped to offer

Focuses on a lack of necessary resources or preparation to provide something.

not in a position to give

Suggests that circumstances prevent someone from providing something.

constrained from offering

Implies there are restrictions or limitations preventing the provision of something.

prevented from supplying

Highlights external factors that hinder the ability to furnish something.

fail to deliver

Highlights a failure to provide something that was expected or promised.

FAQs

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

You can use "unable to provide" to indicate a lack of capacity or capability to supply something. For example, "The hospital was "unable to provide" adequate care due to staff shortages".

What are some alternatives to "unable to provide"?

Some alternatives to "unable to provide" include "cannot furnish", "cannot supply", or "incapable of giving", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "unable to provide" in professional writing?

It is appropriate to use "unable to provide" in professional writing when you need to explain a limitation or lack of service. Be sure to clearly state the reason for the inability.

What's the difference between "unable to provide" and "unwilling to provide"?

"Unable to provide" indicates a lack of capability or resources, while "unwilling to provide" indicates a refusal to offer something, even if the capacity exists.