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- Erkan -
capable of doing something / able to do something.
Do these 2 constructions mean the same resp. what is the difference between capable / able?
capable of + ing
able to + infinitive
Thank you so much for helping
Jun 30, 2013 8:15 PM
Answers · 2
2
When you are "Capable" you have the ability or what is necessary to do a job or help
When you are "Able" it means that you can...and have all the qualification to do a job or help
A person that is capable usually has to work on something a little more but they can manage
A person that is able usually knows the ways around something
June 30, 2013
1
It is possible to be capable of doing something but not able to do something.
"capable" is often used with tasks we have the ability/skill/talent to complete.
"able" can have the same meaning but also can be controlled by other factors.
It's best to explain with examples:
I am capable of walking home by myself but I'm not able to because my mum said I need to take a taxi instead.
I am capable of beating you at tennis but I'm not able to beat you today as I'm busy.
I could replace "capable" with "able", but double "able" would make the sentences weirder.
June 30, 2013
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- Erkan -
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English, German, Spanish, Turkish
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