were still unable vs are still unable

Both "were still unable" and "are still unable" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Were still unable" is used to refer to a past situation where someone was unable to do something, while "are still unable" is used to talk about a current situation where someone is still unable to do something.

Last updated: March 27, 2024 • 2187 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used to refer to a past situation where someone was unable to do something.

"were still unable"

This phrase is used to describe a situation in the past where someone was not able to do something. It indicates that the inability was present at a specific point in the past.

Examples:

They were still unable to find a solution to the problem.
She said they were still unable to reach an agreement.
Despite their efforts, they were still unable to complete the project on time.

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Whilst many of the Community exporters were eventually able to find new markets, they were still unable to compensate for what had been a large proportion of their export revenue.
They travelled until they were exhausted, but were still unable to reach the other side. They then felt like crying ('Rong-Hai' in Thai), hence the name 'Thung Kula Rong-Hai' ('plain of the crying Kula').
All the endeavours to bring education and health care up to standard, no matter how valuable in themselves, were still unable to solve the political problem of the refugees.
We're still unable to arrange a royal family presence for it.
As of this morning, she was still unable or unwilling to identify her attacker.
We are still unable to restore the palace shields.
Acollapse l am still unable to comprehend.
We're still unable to get through to Los Angeles.
We are still unable to free the control system.
I'm still unable to stop worrying about His Majesty.
I am still unable to transfer my immunity to infected hosts.
The railways are still unable to compete with road, water and air transport in many cases.
The international community is still unable to obtain reliable information on the numbers of casualties among the Tibetan protesters.
Unfortunately, Russia is still unable to demonstrate such a will.
In addition, foreigners in Turkey are still unable to acquire property.
I am still unable to prove who the leak is in your division.
Well, we just wanted to let you know that Abby's still unable to identify the user who uploaded that fight video.
And yet, I'm still unable to determine where the light is coming from.
Dozens of tests and we're still unable to learn a single thing.
Even though I converted to Buddhism... I am still unable to completely forget about the past.

Alternatives:

remained unable
could not
were not able to
struggled to
failed to

This phrase is correct and commonly used to describe a current situation where someone is still unable to do something.

"are still unable"

This phrase is used to talk about a situation in the present where someone is not able to do something. It indicates that the inability is ongoing and current.

Examples:

They are still unable to access the system.
We are still unable to determine the cause of the issue.
Despite their efforts, they are still unable to meet the deadline.

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In addition, foreigners in Turkey are still unable to acquire property.
The examples are too fresh of situations where minorities are in the majority at regional level, yet are still unable to exercise their autonomous rights.
However, this has been going on for several years now and we are still unable to create an ideal mechanism and tighten the compulsory conditions by fulfilling these tasks at national level.
Despite the fact that violence against women has been a topic of debate for several decades, it pains me to see that we are still unable to protect women from violence.
We are still unable to restore the palace shields.
However, I greatly regret that we are still unable to enforce respect for fundamental human rights in the Union's Member States.
Three months have already passed since the tragic earthquake, and it would appear we are still unable to work out a common position on support for Haiti.
Meanwhile, we in the European Union are still unable to draw up a legislative document or adopt a charter which, as a Charter of Fundamental Rights, would be a binding document.
We are still unable to free the control system.
The railways are still unable to compete with road, water and air transport in many cases.
Although our search has been extensive we are still unable to locate the Klingon ship, or any evidence of its destruction.
I know that you are still unable to return to our side.
Search and rescue are still unable to find Jeff Glaser... Or the second predator that you reported.
Engineers are still unable to explain why the mass disruption has occurred but they are certain they will have service back up...
The European Union will also examine the freedoms enjoyed by Christians, who are still unable to reopen a seminary shut down years ago.
For various reasons, this process has been slower for Kosovo, and its citizens are still unable to travel to EU countries without a visa.
As such, even with the modest increases in grants, young people and other people on low incomes are still unable to take part.
Seven years later, and after various court cases, the communities are still unable to enjoy their right to adequate housing.
As a consequence, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein are still unable to implement this important regulation.
Thousands of refugees are still unable to return home and the de facto division of the country continues.

Alternatives:

remain unable
cannot
are not able to
struggle to
fail to

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were still unable vs are still unable