was incapable of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was incapable of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that lacks the ability or capacity to perform a certain action or task. Example: "Despite her best efforts, she was incapable of solving the complex math problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I was incapable of resistance.

The New Yorker

Not that Claiborne was incapable of snobbery.

The New York Times - Food

And he was incapable of physical disgust.

The New Yorker

She was incapable of modern irony.

The New Yorker

He was incapable of duplicity.

The New Yorker

He was incapable of unzipping his pants".

The New York Times - Books

Whoever was incapable of walking was shot.

The Guardian

I was incapable of talking to girls.

The Guardian

He decided that Atlanta was incapable of investigating itself.

The New Yorker

"I was incapable of taking a photo," he said.

The New York Times - Books

McGovern, who was incapable of boasting, made a different choice.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was incapable of", ensure that the context clearly specifies the action or task that the subject could not perform. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "was incapable of" when a situation simply presented a challenge or difficulty. This phrase implies a fundamental lack of ability, not just a temporary obstacle.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was incapable of" functions as a predicate adjective phrase. It asserts a state of inability or lack of capacity regarding the subject of the sentence. Examples from Ludwig show its use in describing a person's inherent limitations or the limitations of a system or object.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was incapable of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express a lack of ability or capacity. According to Ludwig, its usage spans across varied contexts from news to science, highlighting its versatility. While alternatives like "was unable to" exist, "was incapable of" carries a more definitive tone. It's important to use this phrase accurately, ensuring it reflects a genuine inability rather than a simple difficulty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was unable to

Expresses a lack of ability, often due to external circumstances.

was not able to

A straightforward way of indicating an absence of capacity.

could not

A more concise and common way to express inability.

lacked the ability to

Highlights the absence of a specific skill or power.

was powerless to

Implies a lack of strength or authority to act.

was helpless to

Suggests a lack of resources or support to overcome a challenge.

was deficient in

Focuses on a specific area where someone or something is lacking.

was not equipped to

Highlights a lack of the necessary tools or resources.

was incompetent to

Implies a lack of necessary skills or qualifications.

was unfit to

Suggests an unsuitability or disqualification for a task.

FAQs

How can I use "was incapable of" in a sentence?

Use "was incapable of" to indicate a fundamental lack of ability or capacity. For example, "He was incapable of understanding complex concepts" or "The old machine was incapable of performing its original function".

What are some alternatives to "was incapable of"?

Alternatives include "was unable to", "lacked the ability to", or "could not". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "was incapable of" or "could not"?

Both "was incapable of" and "could not" express an inability. "Was incapable of" is more formal and emphasizes a fundamental lack of capacity, while "could not" is more general and can refer to temporary or situational inabilities.

What's the difference between "was incapable of" and "was unwilling to"?

"Was incapable of" indicates an inability or lack of capacity, while "was unwilling to" indicates a refusal or lack of desire. The first refers to a lack of ability, and the second refers to a lack of motivation.