"can" vs "be able to"

Question

"can" vs "be able to"

Both "can" and "be able to" are correct ways to express ability or possibility in English. "Can" is more commonly used in everyday language, while "be able to" is often used in formal or written contexts. The choice between them depends on the formality of the situation.

Last Updated: March 30, 2024

Use "can" to talk about general abilities or possibilities. For example, "I can swim" or "She can speak Spanish."

Examples:

I can play the piano.
They can come to the party.
Can you help me with this?
She can run very fast.
We can go to the beach tomorrow.

Alternatives:

I am able to play the piano.
They are allowed to come to the party.
Are you capable of helping me with this?
She has the ability to run very fast.
We have the option to go to the beach tomorrow.

Use "be able to" when you want to emphasize the ability or possibility in a more formal way. For example, "I will be able to attend the meeting tomorrow."

Examples:

She will be able to finish the project on time.
I am not able to come to the party.
Will you be able to help me with this?
He was able to solve the problem.
They have been able to improve their performance.

Alternatives:

She will manage to finish the project on time.
I am unable to come to the party.
Will you have the capacity to help me with this?
He succeeded in solving the problem.
They have succeeded in improving their performance.

Answer 1

can

The word "can" is a modal verb used to express ability, possibility, permission, or requests. It is commonly used in both spoken and written English.

Answer 2

be able to

"Be able to" is a phrase that also expresses ability or possibility, but it is often used in more formal or written contexts.

"can" vs "be able to"

can

be able to

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