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If we were not able to vs If we were not able to create

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "If we were not able to" is a more general statement that can be followed by any action or outcome. On the other hand, "if we were not able to create" is more specific and implies that the action being referred to is related to creation or production.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 7357 views

If we were not able to

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is a conditional statement that expresses a hypothetical situation where the ability to do something is lacking.

Examples:

  • If we were not able to finish the project on time, we would have to ask for an extension.
  • If we were not able to attend the meeting, we could join via video conference.
  • If we were not able to find a solution, we might have to seek help from an expert.
  • We were not able to acquire that information.
  • Yet we were not able to find any papers for identification.
  • We were not able to prevent a human tragedy.
  • Therefore we were not able to agree to the ratification procedure at this point.
  • Unfortunately, we were not able to support them enough while they were alive.
  • Unfortunately we were not able to make substantial progress since opinions continue to differ.
  • Unfortunately we were not able to achieve that.
  • It is a shame we were not able to also regulate GM labelling directly.
  • Or we were not able to see it.
  • It is a pity that we were not able to achieve the same thing with the health-care policy.
  • We were not able to vote for the Rehder report for the following reasons.
  • With the best will in the world, we were not able to do so.
  • You'll explain to your superiors why we were not able to attend your little luau, barn dance, whatever it is.
  • We were not able to remove the body from the rubble of Shiba.
  • I am sorry, but we were not able to understand the cause of the sickness.
  • Yet we were not able to find any papers for identification.
  • Since everything is voted on in a single vote, we were not able to oppose these proposals.
  • I share some colleagues' regrets that we were not able to persuade the Council to dig deeper into our taxpayers' pockets to increase expenditure on research.
  • This is the very reason we were not able to achieve anything positive in Bali but, nevertheless, our desire to conclude an agreement remains intact.
  • Unfortunately, we were not able to achieve it on that particular occasion, but we hope to do so next time.

Alternatives:

  • if we could not
  • if we were unable to
  • if we did not have the ability to
  • if we lacked the capacity to
  • if we were incapable of

If we were not able to create

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is a conditional statement that specifically refers to the inability to create or produce something.

Examples:

  • If we were not able to create a new design, we would have to use the existing one.
  • If we were not able to create a backup, we might lose all our data.
  • If we were not able to create a plan, the project would be at risk.
  • So the other thing that if we were able to create life that's not based on carbon, maybe we can tell NASA what really to look for.
  • And only if we are able to create a unified, coherent, well-thought-out Neighbourhood Policy here, within the European Union, can we be credible in the eyes of our southern neighbours, who are paying keen attention to everything we say.
  • We were not able to acquire that information.
  • Yet we were not able to find any papers for identification.
  • We were not able to prevent a human tragedy.
  • Therefore we were not able to agree to the ratification procedure at this point.
  • Unfortunately, we were not able to support them enough while they were alive.
  • Unfortunately we were not able to make substantial progress since opinions continue to differ.
  • Unfortunately we were not able to achieve that.
  • It is a shame we were not able to also regulate GM labelling directly.
  • Or we were not able to see it.
  • It is a pity that we were not able to achieve the same thing with the health-care policy.
  • We were not able to vote for the Rehder report for the following reasons.
  • With the best will in the world, we were not able to do so.
  • You'll explain to your superiors why we were not able to attend your little luau, barn dance, whatever it is.
  • We were not able to remove the body from the rubble of Shiba.
  • I am sorry, but we were not able to understand the cause of the sickness.
  • Yet we were not able to find any papers for identification.
  • Since everything is voted on in a single vote, we were not able to oppose these proposals.
  • I share some colleagues' regrets that we were not able to persuade the Council to dig deeper into our taxpayers' pockets to increase expenditure on research.

Alternatives:

  • if we could not create
  • if we were unable to produce
  • if we did not have the ability to make
  • if we lacked the capacity to generate
  • if we were incapable of forming

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