Words / A2

AYBL/ˈeɪbl/

Able means you can do something: able to swim, able to help, perfectly able. Can is the everyday cousin (I can book it). Unable is the opposite. Enable means make it possible — later, and not the same. Do not write able when you mean Abel (a name), or table.

Meaning

Having the skill, power, or chance to do something.

Examples

• “She is able to book the tickets online.”
• “Are you able to collect the keys after six?”
• “She was able to change the ticket at the machine.”

Good to know

able to + verb. Everyday cousin: can. Opposite: unable. Mix-up: Abel, table.

Near in meaning

can

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