able

Everyday

1. If you are able to do something, you can do it; you have the skill, strength, time or chance to do it. tree →
2. An able person is clever or good at things, like an able pupil. tree →

In the lessons

«Be able to» is used where «can» does not work: «I will be able to swim», «I have been able to read since I was five». In everyday and safety talk: «Are you able to reach the shelf?». It helps the reader know what someone can or cannot do. Phrases: «be able to», «not able to», «able-bodied», «more able». Many words end in «-able», meaning «can be done»: washable, readable, breakable.

Examples

• I am able to swim a whole length now. tree →
• Will you be able to come to my party? tree →
• She wasn't able to open the jar. tree →
• Birds are able to fly, but penguins are not. tree →
• Owls are able to see in the dark better than us. tree →
• He was able to finish the puzzle in ten minutes. tree →
• The more able readers chose longer books. tree →
• After the injury he was able to walk again. tree →
• "Should I be able to see these flowers?" tree →

Note

«Able to» is followed by the base form of a verb: «able to run», not «able to running». Opposite: «unable» («unable to come»). Noun: «ability»; «disabled» means having a disability. «Can» is shorter: «I can swim» = «I am able to swim».

In Jewish tradition

In the Torah "able men" are capable, trustworthy people chosen for jobs such as ruling or leading.

Interpretation. The able men chosen to help Moses judge the people are a model of good leaders, who must be capable and honest.

Examples

• And if thou knowest any able men among them, then make them rulers over my cattle.' (Torah GEN.47.6, JPS 1917) tree →
• I am not able to bear all this people myself alone, because it is too heavy for me. (Torah NUM.11.14, JPS 1917) tree →
• And I spoke unto you at that time, saying: 'I am not able to bear you myself alone; (Torah DEU.1.9, JPS 1917) tree →
• Wrath is cruel, and anger is overwhelming; but who is able to stand before jealousy? (Writings PRO.27.4, JPS 1917) tree →
• None is so fierce that dare stir him up; who then is able to stand before Me? (Writings JOB.41.2, JPS 1917) tree →
• There are the workers of iniquity fallen; they are thrust down, and are not able to rise. (Writings PSA.36.13, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

«Able to» is followed by the base form of a verb: «able to run», not «able to running». Opposite: «unable» («unable to come»). Noun: «ability»; «disabled» means having a disability. «Can» is shorter: «I can swim» = «I am able to swim».