unable to shake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unable to shake" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling, thought, or memory that one cannot get rid of or stop thinking about. Example: "Despite trying to move on, she felt unable to shake the memories of her past."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

He was unable to shake the memory.

The New Yorker

His suicide and condition have left me unable to shake his memory.

The New York Times - Sports

Elites tend to view them as peasants or being unable to shake off their peasant heritage.

The New York Times

After a practice round, she returned to the hospital, unable to shake her fever.

The New York Times - Sports

But she found herself unable to shake off the Nehruvian tradition completely.

The Economist

Since then, Crossair has been unable to shake questions about safety.

The New York Times

But she has been unable to shake public debate about the timing of the sale.

The New York Times

But we still seem unable to shake off our dependency on the car.

The Guardian

In the days that followed she roamed the campus, unable to shake her anxiety.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Democrats, on the other hand, appeal more to younger voters and labor, who are often unable to shake work or school commitments on a Tuesday.

Huffington Post

Or maybe the same old entrenched prejudice against women that the left seems unable to shake off triumphed one more time.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unable to shake", ensure that the subject experiencing this inability is clearly defined. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the impact of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "unable to shake" excessively in a single piece of writing. Overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language with synonyms like "cannot get rid of" or "haunted by" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unable to shake" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun (often a feeling, thought, or memory) to describe the subject's inability to get rid of it. As Ludwig AI points out, it's widely used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unable to shake" is a versatile and frequently used phrase to describe something persistent and difficult to get rid of, whether it's a feeling, memory, or idea. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely accepted. It is used more frequently in News & Media. To enhance your writing, remember to vary your language and be mindful of the emotional weight you wish to convey. Common alternatives include "cannot get rid of" and "unable to get over". Avoiding overuse and ensuring clarity will maximize the effectiveness of "unable to shake" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot shake off

Stresses the persistence of something clinging or adhering.

cannot get rid of

Focuses on the inability to eliminate something unwanted.

unable to escape

Highlights the feeling of being trapped or unable to avoid something.

unable to get over

Highlights the difficulty in moving past a particular event or emotion.

unable to shrug off

Implies an inability to casually dismiss or ignore something.

unable to dismiss

Emphasizes the incapacity to disregard or ignore something.

haunted by

Emphasizes the persistent and distressing nature of a memory or thought.

struggle to overcome

Focuses on the effort and difficulty in surpassing a challenge or feeling.

obsessed with

Focuses on the state of being preoccupied and unable to stop thinking about something.

preoccupied by

Highlights the state of being absorbed and focused on something, to the exclusion of other things.

FAQs

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

You can use "unable to shake" to describe a feeling, thought, or memory that someone can't get rid of. For instance, "He was unable to shake the feeling that something was wrong".

What are some alternatives to "unable to shake"?

Some alternatives include "cannot get rid of", "unable to get over", or "unable to dismiss", depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "unable to shake" and "unable to let go"?

"Unable to shake" often implies a more persistent or haunting feeling, whereas "unable to let go" suggests a difficulty in moving on from something, such as a relationship or past event.

Is it correct to say "not able to shake" instead of "unable to shake"?

Yes, "not able to shake" is grammatically correct and carries a similar meaning to "unable to shake". However, "unable to shake" is often preferred for its conciseness and slightly stronger emphasis.