unable to write

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unable to write" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a situation where someone cannot write due to various reasons, such as lack of ability, resources, or circumstances. Example: "After the accident, she was unable to write for several months." Alternative expressions include "incapable of writing" and "not able to write."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

After I quit drinking, I spent months unable to write.

The New York Times - Magazine

Because of this, he said, he'd been unable to write.

The New Yorker

And here I am still unable to write about it.

The Guardian - Books

Gradually, he found himself unable to write poetry.

The New York Times - Books

"He was unable to write, and he was limping, with a cane".

The New York Times

Having never used a spittoon, he said, he was unable to write about one.

The New Yorker

Without any alterations to his consciousness, he finds himself unable to write songs.

The New Yorker

For the last 13 years of his life he was partly paralyzed and unable to write.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Those unable to write big cheques, including voters and small firms, grow cynical.

The Economist

"I tweeted yesterday that I am unable to write sex scenes before lunch," he giggles.

Independent

Facing such horrors, a depressed Woolf found herself unable to write.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a temporary condition, consider using "unable to write" to convey a specific period of inability, contrasting it with a general lack of writing ability.

Common error

Avoid using "unable to write" when you mean someone lacks the fundamental skill of writing; instead, use terms like "illiterate" or "non-literate".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unable to write" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a lack of capacity or ability to perform the action of writing. As Ludwig shows, it commonly describes temporary or circumstantial inabilities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

18%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "unable to write" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a state of being incapable of writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans diverse contexts, from news reports and encyclopedic entries to scientific publications. While alternatives like "incapable of writing" and "cannot write" exist, understanding the specific nuance you wish to convey is key. When using this phrase, ensure that you're accurately representing a temporary or circumstantial inability, rather than a fundamental lack of writing skill. The frequent presence in authoritative sources underscores its reliability and appropriateness in various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incapable of writing

Emphasizes a lack of inherent capacity or skill to write.

cannot write

A more direct and simple way of expressing the inability to write.

cannot produce writing

Highlights the inability to generate written content.

find it impossible to write

Focuses on the subjective experience of difficulty and impossibility.

struggle to write

Suggests effort and difficulty in the process of writing.

have difficulty writing

Indicates a problem or challenge encountered when writing.

at a loss for words

Implies a temporary inability to express oneself in writing, often due to emotional or mental block.

writer's block

Refers specifically to a condition where a writer is temporarily unable to produce new work.

paralyzed by fear of writing

Highlights the role of fear in preventing someone from writing.

experiencing a writing drought

Metaphorically describes a prolonged period of not being able to write.

FAQs

What does "unable to write" mean?

The phrase "unable to write" signifies a state where someone is incapable of writing, whether temporarily due to a condition or circumstance, or permanently due to a lack of skill or ability.

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

You can use "unable to write" to describe a person's condition, for example: "After the accident, he was "unable to write" for several weeks."

What are some alternatives to "unable to write"?

Some alternatives include "incapable of writing", "cannot write", or "struggle to write", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "not able to write" is grammatically correct and conveys a similar meaning to "unable to write". However, "unable" is often considered more concise and formal.