we may be unable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we may be unable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a possibility of not being able to do something in the future. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, we may be unable to meet the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Philip Morris International report "… We may be unable to attract and retain the best global talent".

The Guardian - Opinion

We may be unable to reach a negotiated settlement with either agency".

The Economist

"We may be unable to keep our program aggressive until the final weeks of the campaign and give the aid to our candidate that is essential.

The New York Times

"If our creditors start worrying that we may be unable to pay back our debts," Mr. Obama said, "that could drive up interest rates for everyone".

The New York Times

"In post-war years, when the day of reckoning comes, it will always be remembered to our credit that, though we may be unable to face our debts, nevertheless we freely gave the most sacred of our national emblems.

The Guardian

In ways we may be unable fully to appreciate until, someday, we look back at this year from what is bound to be a more unsettled future, the 1996 election seems wonderfully, reassuringly safe.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

As always, we will accommodate individuals who may be unable to conduct their interview in this manner.

Harvard University

As we know, the electric equipments may be unable to bear large short-circuit current, and a high di/dt would lead to the burning of IGBTs because of the local overheating.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

Based on these results, we hypothesized that some mutants may be unable to form biofilms due to increased nuclease expression.

Plosone

Even the smartest farmers may be unable to cope.

The Guardian - Opinion

–Your competitors may be unable to keep up.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we may be unable", clarify the reason for the potential inability to provide context and maintain transparency.

Common error

Avoid using "we may be unable" when a definite inability is known. Instead, use stronger language to reflect the actual situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we may be unable" functions as a modal phrase expressing possibility or uncertainty regarding a future action or state. It indicates a potential lack of ability, capability, or opportunity. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

32%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we may be unable" is a grammatically sound and common phrase used to express a potential lack of ability or capability. According to Ludwig AI, it's considered correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and academic contexts, it serves to manage expectations or convey uncertainty. When using this phrase, clarity and context are crucial. Consider alternatives like "we might not be able to" or "we could be incapable of" to adjust the nuance. Avoid using it when a definite inability is known. It is a versatile phrase fitting across diverse communication settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we might not be able to

Expresses a similar degree of possibility regarding a lack of ability, with a slightly less formal tone.

it's possible we cannot

Highlights the possibility of being unable to do something, emphasizing the uncertainty.

we could be incapable of

Indicates a potential lack of capability, often implying a more fundamental limitation.

we are potentially unable to

Directly states the potential for being unable to perform an action.

we are possibly not in a position to

Suggests that circumstances might prevent the action, focusing on situational constraints.

there's a chance we can't

Uses a more informal tone to convey the possibility of being unable to do something.

it is conceivable that we won't be able to

Emphasizes the conceivability of being unable to, often in a formal context.

we may lack the capacity to

Focuses on lacking the necessary resources or abilities to accomplish something.

we are unlikely to be capable of

Implies a low probability of having the ability to do something.

circumstances might prevent us from

Highlights external conditions as the potential cause for being unable to act.

FAQs

How can I use "we may be unable" in a sentence?

Use "we may be unable" to express a possibility of lacking the ability to do something, as in "Due to budget constraints, "we may be unable" to fund the project this year".

What phrases can I use instead of "we may be unable"?

Alternatives include "we might not be able to", "we could be incapable of", or "it's possible we cannot", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "we may be unable" or "we will be unable"?

The choice depends on the level of certainty. Use "we may be unable" when there's a possibility of lacking the ability, and "we will be unable" when the inability is definite.

What's the difference between "we may be unable" and "we are unable"?

"We may be unable" suggests a possibility, while "we are unable" states a current fact. For example, ""we may be unable" to attend the meeting due to scheduling conflicts" versus "we are unable to process your request at this time".