unable to support

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unable to support" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that someone or something does not have the capabilities to provide physical, emotional, or financial help or assistance. Example: Because of her health issues, Jane was unable to support her family financially.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I therefore am unable to support her nomination".

The Guardian

Earlier boreholes produced hazy images and oxygen-depleted air samples unable to support life.

The New York Times

All around me men were jumping out of windows in despair, unable to support their families.

The New York Times

He has defunded the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, leaving it unable to support any new projects.

The Guardian - Opinion

They can be lopsided, collapsed-looking, with flattened bottoms, as if unable to support their weight.

The New York Times

On the subject of health care, I am unable to support either major candidate's plans.

The New York Times

"Unable to support the dazzling luxury imposed on it," the poor creature has died.

The New Yorker

Current virtual environments, however, are unable to support a large number active users.

Cornell University

As the rebar corrodes, the concrete weakens and is unable to support as much weight.

The New York Times

As formation of a larger crater progresses (B D), the depression is unable to support itself.

Britannica

WOMAN DIES WITH DOG.; Unable to Support Her Pet, She Turns On the Gas.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unable to support", ensure the context clearly specifies what is lacking support, whether it's financial, emotional, physical, or infrastructural. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "unable to support" without specifying the area of deficiency. For instance, instead of saying "the system is unable to support", specify "the system is unable to support the increased data load".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unable to support" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating a lack of capacity or capability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable. Ludwig's examples range from systems unable to support software to individuals unable to support their families.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

31%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

9%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unable to support" is a versatile expression used to indicate a lack of capacity, capability, or resources. As verified by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and frequently employed across various contexts. Its usage spans from describing infrastructure limitations to individual financial constraints, making it a common phrase in both formal and informal settings. Key alternatives include "incapable of supporting" and "not able to sustain". When using "unable to support", clarity is crucial; specify what is lacking support to avoid overgeneralization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incapable of supporting

Formal alternative, emphasizing a lack of inherent capacity.

not able to sustain

Focuses on the inability to maintain or keep something going.

cannot uphold

Implies a failure to maintain a standard or position.

lacking the resources to assist

Highlights the absence of necessary resources for providing help.

without the means to aid

Emphasizes the absence of necessary resources for providing assistance.

in no position to endorse

Suggests a lack of authority or approval.

unfit to maintain

Implies a lack of suitability or qualification for maintenance.

not equipped to provide for

Focuses on the lack of necessary equipment or preparedness.

failing to provide

Highlights an active failure in providing support.

restricted from aiding

Suggests an external constraint preventing support.

FAQs

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

You can use "unable to support" to indicate a lack of capacity or capability, as in "The old infrastructure is "unable to support" the new software".

What are some alternatives to "unable to support"?

Alternatives include "incapable of supporting", "not able to sustain", or "cannot uphold", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "unable to support" or "cannot support"?

Both "unable to support" and "cannot support" are grammatically correct. "Cannot support" is more direct and concise, while "unable to support" may sound slightly more formal.

What does it mean when something is "unable to support"?

It means that something lacks the necessary resources, strength, or capacity to provide assistance, maintenance, or backing for something else.