would be unable

USAGE SUMMARY

"would be unable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express inability in the future, as well as to speculate about the future. For example: "If the power went out, I would be unable to finish my work on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Papers would be unable to compete.

The Economist

Organized medicine would be unable to cope.

MIT Technology Review

Then, people would be unable to send you messages.

The New York Times

They would be unable to claim housing benefit.

The Economist

She would be unable to deliver until the next day.

The New York Times - Magazine

Without subsidies, many would be unable to buy insurance.

The Washington Post

Soil would be unable to sustain much life.

The Guardian

A standard survey would be unable to answer this question.

The Guardian

If it lost, West would be unable to continue spades.

The New York Times - Arts

A further 19% would be unable to do any work.

The Guardian

Seventy would be unable to read and write.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "would be unable" to express a hypothetical inability or a condition that prevents someone from doing something in the future. This construction adds a layer of contingency.

Common error

Avoid using "would be unable" when a simpler tense like "is unable" or "will be unable" is more appropriate. The "would" construction is best for hypothetical situations or past predictions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "would be unable" functions as a modal construction indicating a conditional or hypothetical lack of ability. It specifies that under certain circumstances, the subject lacks the capacity to perform a particular action. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "would be unable" is a versatile construction used to express a hypothetical or conditional inability. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and widely accepted in English. The phrase is commonly found in news, scientific, and academic contexts, highlighting its utility across various registers. When using this phrase, ensure the context is conditional or hypothetical, and consider related phrases like "would not be capable" or "could not" for variations. Keep in mind, the best way to avoid mistakes with this phrase is understanding the nuances of hypothetical versus factual language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could not

A more concise way of expressing inability.

would not be capable

Focuses on lacking the inherent capacity or skill.

would be incapable

Emphasizes a fundamental lack of ability.

would lack the ability

Directly states the absence of the necessary skill.

would not be in a position

Highlights a disadvantageous circumstance preventing action.

would be prevented from

Indicates an external force hindering action.

would be unqualified

Implies a lack of necessary qualifications.

would be unfit

Suggests a lack of suitability for a task or role.

would fail to

Focuses on the unsuccessful outcome.

would not manage to

Implies a difficulty in achieving a goal.

FAQs

How do I use "would be unable" in a sentence?

Use "would be unable" to describe a hypothetical future inability, often conditional on another event. For example: "If the funding is cut, the project "would be unable" to continue".

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

You can use alternatives like "would not be capable", "could not", or "would be prevented from" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "would be unable" and "will be unable"?

"Would be unable" suggests a hypothetical or conditional situation, while "will be unable" expresses a more certain future inability. "If it rains, I "would be unable" to attend" (conditional); "Due to the injury, I "will be unable" to play" (certain).

Is it correct to say "would be unable to"?

Yes, "would be unable to" is grammatically correct. The "to" is necessary to connect the phrase to the verb that describes the action someone is unable to perform. For example: "She "would be unable" to attend the meeting."