unable to submit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unable to submit" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone is unable to submit or send something. For example, "Due to technical difficulties, we were unable to submit the required paperwork on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Contact Corliss Lee at [email protected] if you are unable to submit the web form(s).

University of California, Berkeley

If you are unable to submit your exam through Exam4 during business hours, call the Registrar's Office IMMEDIATELY.

Harvard University

If you are unable to submit the form online, you may use a paper Optional Arts Form.

Princeton University

Nosek had wanted to attend TED, but when his web browser crashed, leaving him unable to submit his application form in time, he went to BIL instead.

Independent

An effort last year to end bilingual education with a ballot initiative failed after supporters were unable to submit signatures in time.

The New York Times

"This is completely unacceptable," said Stephen Dear, a North Carolina father whose son was unable to submit his applications for more than an hour.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Penn extended its early-decision deadline to Nov. 6 and is flexible for students who are unable to take or retake the SAT on time; it is also making necessary adjustments for teachers who may have been unable to meet their deadline for submitting a recommendation letter.

The New York Times

The San Diego team, which trained Bai Yun to submit to an ultrasound exam, was unable to confirm her pregnancy until three days before Hua Mei was born.

The New York Times - Science

Mr. Massey, like other directors of small programs, is not considered a principal and was unable to connect to the Education Department's Web site to submit the appeal.

The New York Times

Readers who are unable to attend can submit bids online until the day of the auction.

The Guardian - Books

If they are unable to assist, please submit a ticket to the CUIT Service Desk.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unable to submit", clearly state the reason for the inability to provide context for the situation.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "I was unable to submit". Instead, specify why you were unable to submit to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity. For example, say "I was unable to submit the report due to a technical error" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unable to submit" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying an implied subject. It indicates a state of being incapable of performing the action of submitting something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

32%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "unable to submit" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey the inability to complete a submission. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is perfectly acceptable and usable in written English. It appears frequently in news, academic, and scientific contexts, signaling its versatility across various domains. When using this phrase, it is best practice to specify the reason for the inability to provide clarity. Remember, that while perfectly correct, there are alternative phrases available to enhance your expression such as "cannot submit" or "incapable of submitting".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot submit

Uses "cannot" instead of "unable", indicating a similar lack of capability.

incapable of submitting

Replaces "unable" with "incapable of", emphasizing a lack of ability.

not able to submit

Expands "unable" to "not able to", providing a slightly more explicit form.

prevented from submitting

Focuses on external factors hindering the submission process.

failed to submit

Indicates that an attempt to submit was made, but it was unsuccessful.

could not send

Uses "send" as an alternative to "submit", implying a similar action of transmitting something.

was not able to hand in

Replaces "submit" with "hand in", adding a more informal tone.

did not manage to submit

Highlights the lack of success in completing the submission.

submission was impossible

Shifts the focus to the impossibility of the submission itself.

submission was not feasible

Emphasizes the impracticality of completing the submission.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "unable to submit" in a formal context?

In a formal context, you can replace "unable to submit" with phrases such as "incapable of submitting", "prevented from submitting", or "submission was impossible" to maintain a professional tone.

What are some common reasons why someone might be "unable to submit" something?

Common reasons include technical difficulties, such as website errors or software malfunctions; unforeseen circumstances, like illness or emergencies; or lack of necessary information or resources.

Is it better to say "unable to submit" or "did not submit"?

It depends on the context. "Unable to submit" implies that there was an attempt or a desire to submit, but something prevented it. "Did not submit" is a more neutral statement that simply indicates the submission was not made, without specifying the reason.

What should I do if I am "unable to submit" an assignment by the deadline?

Contact the instructor or relevant authority as soon as possible to explain the situation and request an extension. Providing a valid reason and demonstrating proactive communication can often lead to a positive outcome.