unlikely to be able

USAGE SUMMARY

"unlikely to be able" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a probability that something won't happen or be possible. For example: "Given the current economic situation, it seems unlikely to be able to afford a luxury car anytime soon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, she is unlikely to be able to cash in that much from her father's company.

The Guardian

Without help, these youngsters are unlikely to be able to navigate their way into mainstream life.

The Guardian

Su Zhen-chang is promising, but seems unlikely to be able to win.

The Guardian

This creature was unlikely to be able to read, much less out-math them.

The New Yorker

But given the sensitivities, Mr. Mandelson is unlikely to be able to match the American proposals.

The New York Times

Without this lifeline, Kiev is unlikely to be able to hold the town.

The Guardian

Yahoo and AOL are unlikely to be able to compete on this terrain.

The New Yorker

Lynch is unlikely to be able to lead a publicly listed company again.

The Guardian - Business

Anyone affected is unlikely to be able to claim a refund for their car.

The Guardian - Business

But without her birth certificate, she is unlikely to be able to vote in November.

The New York Times

But Allardyce is unlikely to be able to prevent an exodus of the club's best players.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unlikely to be able" to express a reasonable expectation that something will not occur or that someone will lack the capacity to do something. It is suitable when you want to avoid stating an impossibility but still convey doubt.

Common error

Avoid using "unlikely to be able" when you mean something is impossible. If the situation is definitely not going to happen, a stronger phrase like "impossible" or "cannot" is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unlikely to be able" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a verb, indicating a low probability or expectation of someone or something possessing the capacity to perform a particular action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "unlikely to be able" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey a low probability or expectation of someone's capacity to do something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. While versatile and applicable across different contexts, including news, science, and formal settings, it's essential to ensure it accurately reflects the level of uncertainty you intend to express, avoiding its use when impossibility is meant. Alternatives such as "not expected to be able" or "improbable to be capable" can provide nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

improbable to be capable

Emphasizes a low probability of possessing the capability.

not expected to be able

Focuses on expectations rather than inherent capability.

doubtful of being able

Highlights uncertainty and skepticism about the ability.

not likely to manage

Emphasizes managing or achieving a specific task.

scarcely able to

Suggests a minimal or barely sufficient ability.

hardly in a position to

Highlights the disadvantageous circumstances affecting the ability.

not anticipated to succeed

Focuses on the anticipated outcome rather than the inherent capability.

questionable ability to

Expresses doubt or skepticism regarding the ability.

remote chance of being able

Indicates a very low probability or possibility.

slim possibility of being able

Suggests a very narrow or limited chance of capability.

FAQs

How can I use "unlikely to be able" in a sentence?

Use "unlikely to be able" to express a low probability or expectation that someone or something will be capable of a certain action. For example, "Given the circumstances, they are "unlikely to be able" to finish the project on time."

What are some alternatives to "unlikely to be able"?

You can use alternatives like "not expected to be able", "improbable to be capable", or "doubtful of being able" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Which is more appropriate: "unlikely to be able" or "unable to"?

"Unlikely to be able" suggests a lower probability or expectation, while "unable to" indicates a definite lack of capacity. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the degree of certainty you wish to express.

When should I use "unlikely to be able" instead of "not likely to"?

Use "unlikely to be able" when you're specifically referring to someone's capability or capacity to perform an action. "Not likely to" is more general and can refer to events or situations that are not related to ability.