"will not be able" vs "may not be able"

Question

"will not be able" vs "may not be able"

Both "may not be able" and "will not be able" are correct, but they convey different levels of certainty. "May not be able" suggests a possibility of not being able to do something, while "will not be able" indicates a stronger certainty that the action cannot be accomplished.

Last Updated: March 24, 2024

This phrase is used to indicate a definitive inability to perform a certain action. It implies a high level of certainty.

Examples:

She will not be able to make it to the party tonight.
I will not be able to finish the report by the end of the day.
They will not be able to fix the issue without additional help.
He will not be able to attend the event due to prior commitments.
The team will not be able to meet the deadline.

Alternatives:

cannot
won't be able to
unable to
not capable of
lack the ability to

This phrase is used to indicate a potential inability to perform a certain action. It implies uncertainty or lack of guarantee.

Examples:

I may not be able to attend the meeting tomorrow.
She may not be able to finish the project on time.
They may not be able to provide the necessary resources.
He may not be able to lift that heavy box.
The team may not be able to complete the task within the deadline.

Alternatives:

might not be able
could not be able
possibly not be able
potentially not be able
might not have the ability to

Answer 1

will not be able

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to express a strong certainty that an action cannot be accomplished.

Answer 2

may not be able

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to express a possibility of not being able to do something.

"will not be able" vs "may not be able"

will not be able

may not be able

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