were not able to run

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were not able to run" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something was unable to perform the action of running, often due to circumstances or limitations. Example: "Due to the heavy rain, the athletes were not able to run the marathon as planned."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

But the Ducks were not able to run out the clock.

The New York Times - Sports

Most of them were mothers and children who were not able to run.

The Guardian

The Tigers squandered a 13-point second-half lead and were not able to run the ball when it counted.

The New York Times - Sports

The wet weather meant the teams were not able to run the development tyres taken to Brazil by supplier Pirelli, which is trying to amass data ahead of a major change in chassis and engine regulations next season.

BBC

Rohit explained that the reason we hadn't seen apps improve much on Apple's Mail for iPhone was because other apps were not able to run in the background and therefore relegated to IMAP, which didn't include ways to store email for quick search.

TechCrunch

I am reminded of how there was a time when women were not able to run marathons at all due to society thinking that they were too fragile for the sport and the distance.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

"They weren't able to run away to Europe".

The Guardian

They weren't able to run the ball".

The New York Times - Sports

Was it because both films weren't able to run a successful campaign?

The Guardian - Books

"We weren't able to run the ball at all," Johnson said.

Huffington Post

I was not able to run long distances.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were not able to run", ensure the context clearly indicates the reason for the inability. Be specific about whether it's due to physical limitations, external circumstances, or other factors.

Common error

Avoid using "were not able to run" without specifying the reason. Instead of saying, "They were not able to run", clarify with, "They were not able to run due to injuries" or "They were not able to run because of the weather conditions".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were not able to run" functions as a verbal phrase expressing the inability to perform the action of running. It often serves as part of a larger clause providing context for this inability, as shown in examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "were not able to run" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to describe the inability to perform the action of running. As Ludwig AI indicates, it’s suitable for various contexts, especially in news reporting and scientific discussions. While alternatives like "could not run" offer conciseness, "were not able to run" can provide greater clarity and emphasis on the reasons behind the inability. Effective writing involves providing context and specifying the cause of this inability to avoid vagueness. This phrase is more common than other similar phrases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could not run

More concise alternative, using the modal verb 'could' to express inability.

were incapable of running

Replaces 'able' with 'incapable', emphasizing a lack of capability.

lacked the ability to run

Highlights the absence of the necessary skill or strength.

were prevented from running

Focuses on external factors hindering the action of running.

failed to run

Emphasizes a lack of success in attempting to run.

were unable to proceed

Broader term indicating an inability to continue or move forward.

did not have the capacity to run

Highlights a limited or absent capacity.

were in no condition to run

Emphasizes a state of being unfit or unsuitable for running.

were not permitted to run

Indicates a lack of permission or authorization to run.

couldn't manage to run

Suggests difficulty or failure in an attempt to run.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "were not able to run"?

Use "were not able to run" when describing a past inability to perform the action of running, whether due to physical limitations, external factors, or other circumstances.

What are some alternative phrases for "were not able to run"?

You can use alternatives like "could not run", "were incapable of running", or "lacked the ability to run" to convey a similar meaning.

Is there a difference between "could not run" and "were not able to run"?

While both phrases express an inability to run, "could not run" is generally more concise. "Were not able to run" can sometimes imply a more specific reason or circumstance preventing the action.

How can I make my writing clearer when using "were not able to run"?

Provide context to explain why someone or something "were not able to run". For example, specify whether it was due to injury, weather conditions, or other limiting factors.