will be unable

USAGE SUMMARY

"will be unable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the future possibility of being unable to do something. For example: "The large storm approaching will likely cause a power outage, so I will be unable to finish my assignment on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The Knicks will be unable to match any richer offers.

The New York Times - Sports

Viewers will be unable to enter the house.

The New York Times - Arts

"We believe commodities will be unable to escape the contagion.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, I will be unable to see it either place.

The New York Times - Arts

We will be unable to use such material on GuardianWitness.

The Guardian

Businesses will be unable to expand and grow.

The New York Times

Without effective lawmakers, Congress will be unable to respond.

The Washington Post

Investors worry that the country's politicians will be unable to impose the fiscal austerity they promise.

The Economist

Discusses the many other areas in which Carter will be unable to accomplish change and reform.

The New Yorker

But at some point the self-appointed leadership will be unable to justify its continued existence.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

More than 10% of survivors will be unable to return to their previous residence.

BMC Geriatrics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "will be unable", ensure the reason for the inability is clear from the context. Provide enough information so the reader understands why the subject cannot perform the action.

Common error

Avoid using "will be unable" when expressing doubt or low probability. Phrases like "might not be able" or "may be unable" are more appropriate when the outcome is uncertain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "will be unable" functions as a future tense modal phrase expressing a lack of ability or opportunity in the future. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

24%

Science

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "will be unable" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express future inability. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability. It appears most commonly in news, wiki, and scientific contexts, maintaining a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. When employing this phrase, ensure the reason for the inability is clearly articulated. While alternatives like "will not be capable" or "won't be able to" exist, the choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey. Avoid using "will be unable" when uncertainty prevails; "might not be able" might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

won't be able to

A more informal and contracted version of the original phrase.

will not be capable

Focuses on a lack of inherent ability rather than a situational inability.

will not be in a position to

Highlights the situational limitations preventing action.

will not have the capacity to

Emphasizes limited resources or space preventing action.

will be precluded from

Implies a formal or legal barrier preventing action.

will be prevented from

Highlights external forces stopping someone from doing something.

will be unequipped to

Highlights a lack of necessary tools or skills.

will find it impossible to

Emphasizes the perceived difficulty or infeasibility of an action.

will lack the ability to

Focuses on a general absence of skill or power.

will be unfit to

Highlights a lack of suitability or qualification.

FAQs

How to use "will be unable" in a sentence?

Use "will be unable" to express a future lack of capability or opportunity. For example, "Due to the heavy rain, we will be unable to continue the outdoor event."

What can I say instead of "will be unable"?

You can use alternatives like "will not be capable", "will not be in a position to", or "won't be able to" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "will be unable" or "would be unable"?

"Will be unable" indicates a future certainty of inability, while "would be unable" expresses a conditional or hypothetical inability. The choice depends on the intended meaning and context.

What's the difference between "will be unable" and "cannot"?

"Cannot" indicates a present inability, whereas "will be unable" refers to a future inability. "Cannot" implies a current restriction, and "will be unable" anticipates a future one.