we weren't able

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "We weren't able" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express a lack of ability to do something. For example: "We weren't able to find a solution to the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"Unfortunately, we weren't able to win games.

The New York Times - Sports

We weren't able to establish our forecheck.

The New York Times

"We weren't able to get out.

The Guardian

We weren't able to do it".

The New York Times - Sports

We weren't able to get it back".

The New York Times - Sports

"We weren't able to fix it, and we weren't able to sustain it".

The New York Times - Sports

"There was only one actor we weren't able to find.

The New Yorker

We weren't able to score after we tied it up".

The New York Times - Sports

"We weren't able to break through," Girardi said.

The New York Times - Sports

We weren't able to capitalise on our chances.

Independent

"And we weren't able to help 100 percent".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we weren't able" to clearly and concisely express a past inability to perform an action. Ensure the context provides clarity on what was attempted and why it was not possible.

Common error

Avoid using "we aren't able" when referring to a past event; the correct form is "we weren't able". For present inability, use "we aren't able".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we weren't able" functions as a statement of inability or failure to accomplish a specific action. It typically modifies a verb, indicating that the subject was not capable of performing the action. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we weren't able" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express a past inability or failure. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and appropriate for use in written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to inform or explain a lack of accomplishment. Alternatives such as "we could not" or "we were unable to" exist, but "we weren't able" maintains a neutral tone suitable for various communication styles. When using this phrase, ensure correct tense and contextual clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we could not

Replaces 'weren't able' with a more direct expression of inability.

we were unable to

Formal synonym for "we weren't able".

we failed to

Indicates a lack of success in achieving something.

we did not manage to

Implies a struggle or effort that did not result in success.

it was impossible for us to

Emphasizes the impossibility of performing an action.

we were unsuccessful in

Highlights the lack of success in a specific attempt.

we had no opportunity to

Focuses on the absence of a chance or occasion.

we lacked the capacity to

Points to a deficiency in resources or capabilities.

we didn't have what it takes to

Indicates a lack of necessary skills or qualities.

circumstances prevented us from

Attributes the inability to external factors or conditions.

FAQs

How can I use "we weren't able" in a sentence?

Use "we weren't able" to express a past inability or failure to accomplish something. For example, "We weren't able to secure the funding for the project."

What are some alternatives to saying "we weren't able"?

You can use alternatives like "we could not", "we were unable to", or "we failed to" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "we weren't able" or "we wasn't able"?

"We weren't able" is correct. The plural pronoun "we" requires the plural form of the verb "were". "We wasn't able" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "we weren't able to" and "we couldn't"?

"We weren't able to" and "we couldn't" are often interchangeable. However, "we weren't able to" can sometimes imply a lack of opportunity or resources, while "we couldn't" is a more general statement of inability.