incapable of + noun
Describing lack of ability or capacity
Use incapable of before a noun to describe something a person or thing cannot do or possess.
The engine is incapable of high-speed performance.
Incapable of
The adjective incapable is normally followed by of before a noun or -ing form to describe inability or lack of capacity.
Quick answer
How do you use incapable of?
Use incapable of to describe someone or something that cannot do something or lacks the ability for it. It is commonly followed by a noun or an -ing verb.
She is incapable of keeping a secret.
The device proved incapable of handling large files.
He seemed incapable of anger.
The device proved incapable of handling large files.
He seemed incapable of anger.
Choose the pattern by meaning
These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.
incapable of + -ing form
Talking about actions someone cannot do
An -ing verb often follows incapable of when referring to actions or behaviour.
She was incapable of admitting her mistake.
emotionally incapable of + -ing form
Expressing emotional inability
Modifiers such as emotionally or mentally are common before incapable.
He felt emotionally incapable of trusting anyone.
See the difference in context
The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.
Construction
Example
Meaning
incapable of
The child is incapable of sitting still.
Standard pattern meaning unable to do something.
capable of
She is capable of leading the team.
The opposite meaning: able to do something.
unable to
They were unable to attend the meeting.
Alternative structure using an infinitive instead of of + -ing.
Common mistakes
Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.
Using an infinitive after incapable
Incapable is not normally followed directly by to + verb.
✕ She is incapable to understand the issue. ✓ She is incapable of understanding the issue.Leaving out the preposition
The adjective normally requires of before a noun or -ing form.
✕ He is incapable making decisions. ✓ He is incapable of making decisions.Quick practice
Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.
1. She seemed incapable ___ telling a lie.
2. The software is incapable of ___ large images.
3. Choose the correct sentence.
Check your sentence in context
Paste the complete sentence below. Linguix checks the preposition together with grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style.
Free to try · No signup required
Frequently asked questions
Can incapable of be followed by a noun?
Yes. You can say incapable of violence or incapable of independent thought.
Can I use incapable to?
No. Standard English uses incapable of rather than incapable to.
Is incapable of formal?
It is common in both formal and neutral English, especially in writing.
Related preposition guides
Write with confidence in Linguix
Create a free account to check complete texts, apply suggestions, and save your documents.
