would not be able to

USAGE SUMMARY

"would not be able to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the idea that someone is not capable of doing something. For example: "The team would not be able to win the game without their star player."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She would not be able to eat.

The New Yorker

they would not be able to compete.

University of California, Berkeley

They would not be able to operate".

The New York Times

We would not be able to manage.

The Guardian

I would not be able to stay here two weeks.

The New York Times

"He would not be able to govern," Mr. Molinaro added.

The New York Times

Some people would not be able to afford mortgages.

The Guardian

Our companies would not be able to borrow abroad.

The New York Times

We would not be able to rescue it".

The Economist

I worried that he would not be able to adjust.

The New York Times

I would not be able to sleep well".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "would not be able to" when expressing a conditional inability. This construction is useful when describing hypothetical scenarios or future possibilities. For example, "If the weather worsens, we "would not be able to" continue the hike."

Common error

Avoid using "cannot" when the context requires a conditional or hypothetical statement. "Cannot" expresses a present inability, whereas "would not be able to" indicates a future or conditional one. For instance, instead of saying "If it rains, we cannot go", use "If it rains, we "would not be able to" go".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "would not be able to" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a conditional or future inability. It combines the conditional auxiliary verb would, the negation not, the verb be, and the adjective able followed by the preposition to, indicating a lack of capacity or possibility. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "would not be able to" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to express conditional or future inability. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. While it's considered neutral in register, it's essential to distinguish its meaning from similar phrases like "cannot", which expresses present inability. Common synonyms include "would be unable to" and "would lack the capacity to". When writing, remember to use "would not be able to" for hypothetical scenarios and avoid replacing it with "cannot" in such cases. By following these guidelines, you can effectively incorporate "would not be able to" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

would be incapable of

Indicates a lack of inherent ability or capacity.

would be unable to

A more formal and direct synonym, emphasizing a lack of ability.

would lack the capacity to

Highlights a deficiency in the necessary resources or skills.

would be in no position to

Suggests that circumstances prevent someone from doing something.

would be out of the question to

Emphasizes the impossibility or unsuitability of an action.

would find it impossible to

Focuses on the perceived difficulty or insurmountable challenge.

would not have the option to

Highlights the absence of choice or permission.

would be prevented from

Indicates that an external force is hindering the action.

would be restricted from

Similar to 'prevented from', but implies a formal limitation.

cannot

Expresses inability in a more concise manner

FAQs

How can I rephrase "would not be able to" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using "would be unable to" or "would lack the capacity to". These options provide a more sophisticated and professional feel.

When is it appropriate to use "would not be able to" versus "cannot"?

"Would not be able to" is best used when discussing hypothetical or conditional situations, indicating a future inability. "Cannot" expresses a current or general inability. For example, "If I don't study, I "would not be able to" pass the exam," versus "I cannot swim."

What are some common synonyms for "would not be able to"?

Common synonyms include "would be incapable of", "would be in no position to", and "would find it impossible to". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is "would not be able to" grammatically correct?

Yes, "would not be able to" is grammatically correct. It's a standard construction used to express a conditional or future inability. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage.