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not being able to vs not being able to do

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Not being able to' is a shorter form that can be used when the action that cannot be done is implied or understood. 'Not being able to do' is more explicit and is used when you want to specify the action that cannot be done.

Last updated: March 29, 2024 • 1009 views

not being able to

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English. It is a shorter form that implies the action that cannot be done.

This phrase is used when the action that cannot be done is clear from the context or when you want to be more concise.

Examples:

Not being able to attend the meeting was disappointing.
She regretted not being able to help.
Not being able to find the keys caused a delay.
Not being able to reach him on the phone was frustrating.
Not being able to sleep well affects my performance.

Show examples from the web [+]

I hate this... not being able to see.
I fully understand the frustration at not being able to do more.
Imagine not being able to talk.
The nightmare of not being able to protect their children befell thousands of people.
Sick of not being able to escape what happened.
Strange not being able to move.
Still, it is rather worrying, not being able to remember things.
Fear of not being able to protect a loved one.
This is about your frustration at not being able to solve me like a Rubik's cube.
This is torture not being able to help, Vince.
There's nothing wrong with not being able to hear.
Look, Juliette, I feel bad not being able to do anything...
Except for not being able to sleep.
Sometimes I wonder if it's better not being able to think, feel.
I've decided to embrace not being able to sleep.
But from not being able to sleep.
I just can't imagine not being able to remember anything.
It's weird not being able to see it.
It is really scary not being able to communicate with people.
Worst part's not being able to do anything to help her.

Alternatives:

not being able to do
being unable to
unable to

not being able to do

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English. It is more explicit and specifies the action that cannot be done.

This phrase is used when you want to be clear about the action that cannot be done or when you need to provide more details.

Examples:

Not being able to do my homework made me anxious.
She was upset about not being able to do the project.
Not being able to do anything to help was frustrating.
Not being able to do the job properly led to consequences.
I hate not being able to do what I love.

Show examples from the web [+]

I fully understand the frustration at not being able to do more.
Worst part's not being able to do anything to help her.
It was the most horrible thing... I have ever experienced... watching them torture you... not being able to do anything.
Not being able to do anything about it.
It must be really frustrating having the power to help people but not being able to do anything.
But... it's getting frustrating, you know, not being able to do the things that normal couples do.
Having cops around, not being able to do my job.
You know, being so close and not being able to do anything.
I really don't want to go. I hate the idea of a business job... of belonging to someone... of not being able to do what I want, like you can, Carla.
Look, Juliette, I feel bad not being able to do anything...
Look, Juliette, I feel bad not being able to do anything...
Having cops around, not being able to do my job.
Mr President, I can understand the reasoning behind not being able to do it electronically, because you cannot check whether everyone uses their card.
And I'm not being able to do that right now.
Look, I'm-I'm worried about not being able to do this.
I tell you, it's hell not being able to do what you love.
Like everyone else, my group feels extremely frustrated and powerless at our not being able to do more to solve this bloody conflict that is the cause of so much suffering.
It's so strange hating a part of your body, being mad at it for not being able to do what you want it to.
And then you... then you tricked me into not being able to do it.
It was so hard watching Bay not knowing and not being able to do anything to help her.

Alternatives:

not being able to
being unable to
unable to

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