able
To have the necessary skills, knowledge, time, or opportunity to do something successfully. It is frequently used in the structure 'be able to' followed by the base form of a verb to describe a person's capacity.
Examples
3 of 5Will you be able to come to the party on Saturday?
Are you free to attend the celebration this weekend?
Applicants must be able to demonstrate previous experience in the field.
Candidates are required to show past work experience in this area.
I'm not able to talk right now; I'll call you back.
I cannot speak at this moment; I will return your call later.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a 'table' – it is 'able' to hold heavy things because it is strong and has the capacity.
Quick Quiz
She will be ____ to finish the project by Friday.
Correct!
The correct answer is: able
Examples
Will you be able to come to the party on Saturday?
everydayAre you free to attend the celebration this weekend?
Applicants must be able to demonstrate previous experience in the field.
formalCandidates are required to show past work experience in this area.
I'm not able to talk right now; I'll call you back.
informalI cannot speak at this moment; I will return your call later.
The study aims to determine if children are able to recognize complex patterns.
academicThe research looks at whether children can identify difficult designs.
We are able to offer a discount on bulk orders.
businessOur company can provide lower prices for large purchases.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
as far as I'm able
to the best of my power or knowledge
ready, willing, and able
fully prepared and capable of doing a task
an able-bodied person
someone who is physically healthy and strong
Often Confused With
'Can' is used for general ability, while 'be able to' is used for specific instances and in tenses where 'can' doesn't exist (like future or perfect tenses).
Usage Notes
Use 'able' primarily in the phrase 'be able to'. While it can stand alone as an adjective (e.g., 'an able student'), its most common function is to provide a future or perfect tense for the concept of 'can'.
Common Mistakes
Do not use 'will can'. Instead, use 'will be able to'. For example, 'I will be able to help you tomorrow' is correct, not 'I will can help you'.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'table' – it is 'able' to hold heavy things because it is strong and has the capacity.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'able', derived from Old French 'habile', which comes from the Latin 'habilis' meaning 'handy' or 'fit'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many English-speaking professional environments, emphasizing what you are 'able' to do is considered a sign of proactive competence.
Quick Quiz
She will be ____ to finish the project by Friday.
Correct!
The correct answer is: able
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
Power refers to the ability to do something or to control pe...
capacityDescribes a space, container, or system that has reached its...
talentA talent is a natural ability to do something well, such as...
potentialDescribes something that is currently latent or possible but...
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