unable to read

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unable to read" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who cannot comprehend written text or is experiencing difficulty in reading. Example: "Due to his visual impairment, he is unable to read standard print materials."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is unable to read and write.

The Guardian - Opinion

Unable to read or write themselves, they listened attentively, absorbed.

The New Yorker

Minutiae He was unable to read until he was nine.

Independent

What's it like, suddenly finding yourself unable to read?

The Guardian

The stroke left him unable to read or write.

The New Yorker

Then you'll feel betrayed and unable to read them.

The Guardian - Books

A lot of directors are unable to read a score.

The Guardian - Music

Street left school unable to read or write.

The Guardian

Seventy would be unable to read and write.

The New York Times

For a while he was even unable to read.

The New York Times - Books

Rejection left her "blank", unable to read or write.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's inability to read, consider the context. "Unable to read" is generally appropriate, but "illiterate" might be more suitable in some situations, while "reading impaired" may be preferable in a medical context.

Common error

Avoid using "unable to read" interchangeably with terms like "unread" (which means not yet read) or "illegible" (which means difficult or impossible to read due to poor handwriting or printing).

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unable to read" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating a lack of reading ability. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in describing individuals with learning difficulties, stroke victims, or those lacking formal education.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unable to read" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase for describing the lack of reading ability. Ludwig AI confirms that it's suitable across various contexts, from describing individuals with learning difficulties to highlighting literacy challenges. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for diverse source types, including news media, scientific articles, and encyclopedias. While "illiterate" is a synonym, "unable to read" offers a slightly more general description. When writing, remember to consider the specific context and audience to ensure the most appropriate term is used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot read

A more direct and simple way of expressing the inability to read. It's less formal than "unable to read".

not able to read

A slightly more emphatic and less formal version of "unable to read".

illiterate

A single-word adjective denoting the inability to read or write. It's more concise but can be less nuanced.

not literate

Similar to "illiterate", but can sometimes imply a broader lack of education.

reading impaired

Implies a condition or impairment that affects the ability to read, often used in medical or special education settings.

has difficulty reading

Emphasizes the struggle or effort required when attempting to read.

struggles with reading

Similar to 'has difficulty reading,' indicating a challenge in the reading process.

lacking reading skills

Focuses on the absence of the skill itself, suitable for educational or developmental contexts.

cannot decipher text

Highlights the inability to decode or understand written words.

deficient in reading

A more formal way to describe a lack of reading proficiency.

FAQs

What's the difference between "unable to read" and "illiterate"?

"Unable to read" is a more general term for not being able to read. "Illiterate" specifically refers to a lack of education in reading and writing.

When should I use "unable to read" instead of "cannot read"?

"Unable to read" and "cannot read" are often interchangeable, but "unable to read" may sound slightly more formal in certain contexts.

What are some professional alternatives to "unable to read"?

In professional contexts, you might use phrases like "lacking reading skills" or "reading impaired" to describe someone's inability to read, depending on the specific situation.

Is it appropriate to use "unable to read" in medical documentation?

Yes, it is appropriate. However, depending on the specific context, terms like "reading impaired" or a more specific diagnosis might be more suitable.