yet unable to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "yet unable to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a contrast between a situation and the inability to achieve something despite that situation. Example: "She has all the resources at her disposal, yet unable to complete the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Witness Mark Ramprakash – incredible in county cricket yet unable to succeed in Tests.

The Guardian - Sport

At some point, Mrs. Jariullah realized she was quaking, and yet unable to take her eyes off the screen.

The New York Times

Watching him laughing, yet unable to flush, I felt I was looking at a corpse in the making.

The New York Times

Most of all, Marino is almost pitied because he was so productive, yet unable to win a championship.

The New York Times - Sports

Throughout the performance, I found myself deeply affected, yet unable to describe my reactions, even to myself.

The Guardian

All concerned appear quite sure that the neoliberal paradigm is the devil's work, yet unable to agree about anything else.

The Guardian

They're not hoppers jammed with bright, popping details; they are, like Shakespeare's sonnets, little contraptions designed to stop, and yet unable to stop, the passing of time.

The New Yorker

Rameau's nephew is depicted as a shamelessly selfish parasite, an eccentric, and a musician who is gifted yet unable to make his mark through insufficient talent.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"She is watching her husband shrivel and feel ashamed and humiliated, yet unable to do anything because he's lost his motivation," Dr. Baker said.

The New York Times

Bellin fits the profile of the gambler as a talented person who is nonetheless unsuccessful, smart yet unable to fit into the conventional workaday world.

The New Yorker

It's that regulation that has resulted in Mr. Song's being cut off from the world, leaving us willing yet unable to help him.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "yet unable to" to create a contrast, showing an unexpected limitation despite favorable conditions or expectations. This adds depth and nuance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "yet unable to" when a simple statement of inability suffices. Overusing this phrase can weaken your writing by adding unnecessary contrast where none is intended.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "yet unable to" functions as a conjunctional phrase introducing a contrasting element. It signifies a situation where an expected outcome or action is hindered or prevented, despite circumstances suggesting otherwise. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

36%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "yet unable to" serves as a robust tool for creating contrast within writing, indicating an unexpected inability amidst favorable conditions. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used. As a conjunctional phrase, it introduces a contrasting element, highlighting a discrepancy between expectations and reality. Primarily found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, it maintains a neutral register. To enrich your writing, consider alternatives such as "still unable to" or "however incapable of".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

still unable to

Emphasizes the continuation of the inability.

however incapable of

Highlights the lack of capacity despite circumstances.

despite being unable to

Introduces the inability as something unexpected given the situation.

even though unable to

Similar to 'despite', showing a concession.

notwithstanding the inability to

More formal version expressing the same contrast.

while being unable to

Implies the inability exists concurrently with another state.

in spite of being unable to

Another way of expressing 'despite being unable to'.

though incapable of

Shorter and more direct alternative to 'however incapable of'.

but failing to

Focuses on the failure to achieve something.

remaining unable to

Highlights the persistent nature of the inability.

FAQs

How can I use "yet unable to" in a sentence?

Use "yet unable to" to introduce a contrasting element where something is prevented or unrealized despite conditions that suggest otherwise. For example: "She studied diligently, "yet unable to" pass the exam."

What are some alternatives to "yet unable to"?

Alternatives include "still unable to", "however incapable of", or "despite being unable to". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "yet unable to" at the beginning of a sentence?

While grammatically permissible, starting a sentence with "yet unable to" can sound awkward. It's generally better to place it within the sentence to maintain a smoother flow. Instead, consider rephrasing the sentence to incorporate the contrasting idea more naturally.

What's the difference between "yet unable to" and "but unable to"?

"Yet unable to" implies a greater degree of surprise or unexpectedness than "but unable to". "Yet" suggests that the inability is surprising given the circumstances, while "but" simply introduces a contrasting fact.