would not be capable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "would not be capable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express an inability or lack of capacity to perform a certain action or task. Example: "Without proper training, she would not be capable of completing the project on her own."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Otherwise, theory holds, they would not be capable of changing form, called oscillation.

The New York Times

"This allows the police to act and carry out investigations which sports authorities would not be capable of doing.

The New York Times - Sports

I tried to make full use of this and took courses I would not be capable studying in the UK.

The Guardian

Zoo curator Derek Grove said he feared the thieves would not be capable of looking after the crocodile.

The Guardian

Ginsberg was advised that he would not be capable of understanding the new method "until you have the necessary training".

The Guardian - Books

Nothing can recreate the horror of certain events; a brutal language would not be capable of expressing this, yet it would pretend to do so.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

That was a gesture that I wouldn't be capable of doing".

The New Yorker

If she was so overwhelmed then she wouldn't be capable of remembering those names.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Sandboxed, Skype wouldn't be capable of that — and neither would that random product purchased from a fly-by-night start-up.

The New York Times

"You and I know that if there was a fire she wouldn't be capable of processing the necessity of getting out.

The New Yorker

If I had a glass of wine now, I wouldn't be capable of not going out and buying a bottle of vodka.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "would not be capable", ensure that you clearly define what specific task or action the subject is unable to perform. This provides clarity and context to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "would not be capable" in overly broad or general statements without providing specific context. For instance, instead of saying "He would not be capable", specify, "He would not be capable of managing a large team without prior experience."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "would not be capable" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a lack of ability, capacity, or suitability for a particular action or situation. Ludwig confirms this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "would not be capable" is a versatile modal verb phrase that expresses a lack of ability, capacity, or suitability. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It's commonly found in News & Media and Scientific sources, indicating its neutrality and applicability across contexts. To enhance clarity, it's best to specify the action or task the subject is unable to perform. Related phrases like "would be unable to" or "would lack the ability to" offer similar meanings, while being sensitive to the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

would be unable to

Replaces "capable" with "unable", directly contrasting the ability.

would lack the ability to

Emphasizes the absence of the necessary skills or power.

would be inadequate to

Highlights that the capacity is insufficient for a specific purpose.

would be ill-equipped to

Focuses on the lack of suitable resources or preparation.

would be unfit to

Suggests a state of being unqualified or unsuitable.

would be powerless to

Indicates an absence of power or control to achieve something.

would be incompetent to

Highlights a lack of necessary skill or knowledge.

would be deficient in

Emphasizes the absence of an essential quality or element.

would be out of their depth

Suggests the situation exceeds their current abilities.

would find it beyond them to

Focuses on the perceived difficulty and personal limitations.

FAQs

How can I use "would not be capable" in a sentence?

You can use "would not be capable" to indicate a lack of ability or capacity to perform a specific action. For example: "Without proper training, she "would not be capable" of completing the project on her own."

What phrases are similar to "would not be capable"?

Alternatives include "would be unable to", "would lack the ability to", or "would be inadequate to" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "would not be capable" or "could not be capable"?

"Would not be capable" is generally used for hypothetical or conditional situations, while "could not be capable" indicates a past or present inability. The choice depends on the context you want to express.

What is the difference between "would not be capable" and "not capable"?

"Would not be capable" is often used in conditional sentences to talk about future or hypothetical scenarios. "Not capable" is a more general statement of lacking the ability, without necessarily referring to a hypothetical situation.