"be able to" vs "be capable of"

Question

"be able to" vs "be capable of"

Both 'be capable of' and 'be able to' are correct phrases in English, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Be capable of' is used to express having the ability or skill to do something, while 'be able to' is used to indicate the possibility or permission to do something.

Last Updated: March 29, 2024

Use 'be able to' when you want to talk about the possibility or permission to do something. It is often followed by a verb.

Examples:

I am able to swim.
She will be able to attend the meeting.
He was able to finish the project on time.

Alternatives:

have the ability to
have the permission to
have the possibility to
have the capability to
have the capacity to

Use 'be capable of' when you want to talk about someone's ability or skill to do something. It is often followed by a verb.

Examples:

She is capable of solving complex problems.
The team is capable of winning the championship.
He is capable of speaking five languages fluently.

Alternatives:

have the ability to
have the skill to
possess the capability to
have the capacity to
be competent at

Answer 1

be able to

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate the possibility or permission to do something.

Answer 2

be capable of

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to express having the ability or skill to do something.

"be able to" vs "be capable of"

be able to

be capable of

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