may not be able to vs may be able not to

Both phrases are correct, but they have different meanings. 'May not be able to' indicates a lack of ability or permission, while 'may be able not to' suggests the possibility of choosing not to do something even though one has the ability. The choice between the two depends on the intended meaning in the context.

Last updated: April 09, 2024 • 524 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"may not be able to"

This phrase is used to express a lack of ability or permission to do something.

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.

Show examples from the web [+]

I may not be able to come back the same way.
We may not be able to make orbit.
We may not be able to get her back.
Just know she may not be able to respond verbally.
Alternative solutions In some cases, you may not be able to find an acceptable replacement.
We may not be able to access these memories.
Your human side may not be able to control it.
If you unleash it this quickly, you may not be able to control it.
But we may not be able to assist.
We may not be able to get the boat in.
We're hearing they may not be able to participate in the playoffs.
I may not be able to get myself out.
We may not be able to go home after all.
I may not be able to protect you this time.
He may not be able to oxygenate well when he's born.
Kenneth, you may not be able to save the show.
I may not be able to stay the whole time.
Tak Gu may not be able to make bread for a while.
We may not be able to find the miller.
I may not be able to finish my ramen.

Alternatives:

might not be able to
could not be able to
will not be able to
cannot be able to
shall not be able to

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in English.

"may be able not to"

This phrase is used to suggest the possibility of choosing not to do something even though one has the ability.

Examples:

He may be able not to disclose the information.
You may be able not to participate in the event.
She may be able not to reveal her sources.

Show examples from the web [+]

may be able not to
That you may or may not be able to raise...
I may or may not be able to get in.
What your mind may or may not be able to imagine, is really none of my concern.
They usually have some familiarity with the tools and can get out decent images, however they may or may not be able to capture imagination.
Depending on the status of your withdrawal, you may or may not be able to modify or cancel before it is actually approved/processed.
So often when we think of our ideal mate we give them qualities and attributes that one person may or may not be able to possess.
I may not be able to vote, I may not be able to hold office, I may not be able to sign a contract or open a bank account...
Patients who develop a break in the bone may or may not be able to undergo limb sparing surgery depending upon the circumstances of the case (Bramer 2007).
Depending upon how bright your lamp is, you may or may not be able to use it in the daylight.
Seeing what a witness may or may not be able to see from this distance.
Depending on where you're hunting down your great car deal, you may or may not be able to inspect the vehicle you'd like to buy in advance.
But sometimes if the severity of corruption is high then the application may or may not be able to repair the file.
But we may not be able to assist.
We may not be able to get the boat in.
We're hearing they may not be able to participate in the playoffs.
I may not be able to get myself out.
We may not be able to go home after all.
May not be able to even blink.
We may not be able to make orbit.
We may not be able to get her back.

Alternatives:

may have the ability not to
may choose not to
may opt not to
may decide not to
may elect not to

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may not be able to vs may be able not to

"may not be able to"

"may be able not to"

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