sorry for not being able to vs sorry for being not able to

Both phrases are similar in meaning, but the correct construction is 'sorry for not being able to.' In English, the adverb 'not' usually comes before the main verb 'being.' The alternative phrase is not commonly used, so it may sound awkward to native speakers.

Explained by Jennifer
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: August 19, 2024

sorry for not being able to

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to express regret or apology for not having the ability to do something.

Show examples from the web [+]

sorry for not being able to
I'm sorry for not being truthful with you today.
However we are sorry for not being up to it.
But most of all, I'm sorry for not being your father.
I'm sorry for not being straight with you, boss.
I'm sorry for not being able to keep my promise, Gu Jun Pyo.
I'm sorry for not being able to recognize you, my sister.
I'm sorry for not being mad enough when you said those horrible things to me.
Babe, I am so sorry for not being honest with you.
I'm very sorry for not being able to comply to the agreement.
I'm so sorry for not being able to communicate effectively.
I felt very sorry for not being able to join them in their axpedition, but I had no other option...
All our staff is available for the comfort and convenience of our guests and for that we are all sorry for not being able to make completely satisfying his vacation.
Very friendly and engaging the Murder by Death in which we participated and we are sorry for not being able to participate in other scheduled events in the following days.
"I'm sorry for not being with you this morning,"but under the circumstances my family and I have chosen to be alone.
I just feel like I need to say sorry for not being
Then the man said slowly, Please don't go. Sit down; sit down. Don't feel sorry for not being called for an interview.
Sorry for not being on your side from the beginning.
Sorry for not being the girl that you thought I was.
Sorry for not being a true friend.
Sorry for not being very communicative yesterday on Chat, but here is what happened.

sorry for being not able to

This phrase is not the standard construction in English and may sound awkward or incorrect to native speakers.

Show examples from the web [+]

I'm very sorry for not being able to comply to the agreement.
I'm sorry for not being able to keep my promise, Gu Jun Pyo.
I'm sorry for not being able to recognize you, my sister.
I'm really sorry for all the things I said about not being able to trust you.
As set out in recital 60 of the provisional Regulation, the company in question was not able to demonstrate that it met the conditions of Article 9(5) of the basic Regulation for being granted IT.
Even if I am not able to use my chakra, being able to do something in such circumstances makes me a real ninja.
I was not able to find out why your brother went to Portland.
Pryce's 30 years, not able to create genetically perfected human.
Not able to look anybody in the eye.
I was not able to make them too stable.
Many women are not able to have children anymore.
I'm physically not able to be with you.
She is not able to dial 911 from her phone.
I was not able to teach her that.
Al-Hariri is not able to leave his residence.
It makes me not able to live with myself.
You are not able to leave without proper clearance.
Not able to enter the front door.
Perhaps he's not able to see the smoke.
When Raoh is not able to beat Souther.

Alternatives:

sorry for not being able to
apologies for not being able to
regretful for not being able to
apologies for my inability to
sorry that I couldn't

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sorry for not being able to vs sorry for being not able to

sorry for not being able to

sorry for being not able to

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