was not able to resolve

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was not able to resolve" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a situation where a problem or issue could not be fixed or settled. Example: "Despite our best efforts, we were not able to resolve the technical difficulties during the presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

The linear array algorithm assumed the noise sources were distributed along the jet axis, and was not able to resolve off-axis locations of noise sources.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Indeed, in a previous study sequencing post-SCRaMbLE rearrangements of a short circular synthetic yeast chromosome arm, Illumina-based sequencing was not able to resolve all sampled strains13.

Nature

At that time, during a four-hour executive session, the committee was not able to resolve a "clear-cut scope for the investigation," Mr. O'Neill said, adding that more time was needed.

The New York Times

While Mr. Seyfer was not able to resolve the problem he had with the Lincoln sunroof when he posted an inquiry on the task force site, he said information was easy to get most of the time.

The New York Times

These earlier studies were based on the morphological characterization which was not able to resolve species in a species complex.

Botanical Studies

Because of the large size and multiplicity of the sarcomas, HRUS imaging was not able to resolve the entire tumor volume because of limited imaging access.

Duke University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

It's a pity the UK wasn't able to resolve this".

BBC

These data show that MST was a sensitive probe of chemical denaturation [10], even when intrinsic fluorescence emission wasn't able to resolve denaturation.

Biochimica et Biophysica Acta - General Subjects

However, existing methods are not able to resolve single reconstituted fusion pores and follow pore dynamics with sufficient time resolution.

Yale University

If the sides are not able to resolve the latest crisis, Iran could go ahead with work at Isfahan.

The Washington Post

Although the HireCT measurement system is not able to resolve these micro-channels, the working liquid can be successfully visualized via its phase contrast.

Flow Measurement and Instrumentation

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was not able to resolve", ensure the context clearly indicates what efforts were made to find a solution. This provides a more complete understanding of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "was not able to resolve" excessively in passive constructions. Instead, consider active voice alternatives to make your writing more direct and engaging. For example, instead of "The problem was not able to resolve", try "The team could not resolve the problem".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was not able to resolve" functions as a verb phrase indicating the inability or failure to find a solution or settle a matter. As per Ludwig, this is a correct and usable phrase in English, serving to express a lack of resolution.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

30%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was not able to resolve" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verb phrase that indicates a failure to find a solution or come to a clear decision. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in English. It appears most frequently in scientific, news, and academic contexts, reflecting a neutral to formal register. While alternatives such as "could not resolve" or "failed to resolve" exist, "was not able to resolve" is appropriate for various formal communication needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could not resolve

This alternative uses a more concise phrasing with the same core meaning.

failed to resolve

This alternative emphasizes the lack of success in finding a resolution.

was unable to solve

This alternative focuses on the inability to find a solution.

did not manage to resolve

This alternative indicates a lack of success in managing to find a resolution.

could not find a solution to

This alternative is more descriptive, specifying the lack of a solution.

was unsuccessful in resolving

This alternative highlights the lack of success in resolving something.

proved incapable of resolving

This alternative emphasizes the incapability to resolve.

was defeated by

This alternative implies being overcome by the issue, preventing resolution.

hit a dead end with

This alternative suggests reaching an impasse, with no further progress possible.

the issue remained unresolved

This alternative shifts the focus to the issue rather than the attempt to resolve it.

FAQs

What does "was not able to resolve" mean?

The phrase "was not able to resolve" indicates an inability to find a solution to a problem, settle a dispute, or come to a clear decision.

What can I say instead of "was not able to resolve"?

You can use alternatives like "could not resolve", "failed to resolve", or "was unable to solve" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "could not resolve" or "was not able to resolve"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey the same meaning. "Could not resolve" is more concise, while "was not able to resolve" is slightly more formal but can feel more verbose depending on style.

What is the difference between "was not able to resolve" and "did not attempt to resolve"?

"Was not able to resolve" implies an attempt was made to find a solution, but it was unsuccessful. "Did not attempt to resolve" indicates no effort was made to find a solution at all.