Inglés

able

gb/ˈeɪbəl/ us/ˈeɪbəl/
A2 Inglés
~ 400
Acepciones
0 acepciones
adjective A2 property
1

Having the power or skill

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

Patrón de uso: [someone] is able to [verb]
Error frecuente:
Learners sometimes confuse 'able to' with 'can'; 'can' is often used for general ability, while 'able to' is more formal or for specific situations.
Sinónimos
capable (Similar meaning but can also describe general potential rather than immediate ability.)
Antónimos
unable (Direct opposite, meaning lacking the ability to do something.)
Colocaciones
able to work |able to help |able to speak
Temas
daily life |abilities |work |core_vocabulary
Ejemplos
  • She is able to finish the project on time.
  • He was able to lift the heavy box by himself.
  • After months of training, I am finally able to run five kilometers without stopping.
Ejemplos para estudiantes
  • I am able to swim.
  • She is able to read English.
  • We are able to play the guitar.
adjective B1 property
2

Intelligent or competent

Smart or good at doing something.

Patrón de uso: an able [person/professional]
Error frecuente:
Learners might mix this meaning with 'able to' + verb, which expresses possibility rather than describing a person’s qualities.
Sinónimos
competent (Suggests having adequate skill without necessarily being exceptional.)
Antónimos
incompetent (Lacking the necessary skill or ability for a task.)
Colocaciones
an able leader |an able student |an able worker
Temas
work |education
Ejemplos
  • She proved herself to be an able negotiator.
  • The company is looking for an able programmer to join their team.
  • He is one of the most able students in the class.
Ejemplos para estudiantes
  • She is an able teacher.
  • He is an able driver.
  • They are able workers.
Gramática
Forma de diccionario
able
AFI
GB/ˈeɪbəl/
US/ˈeɪbəl/
Sílabas y acento
able (1 sílaba)
Stress on 1st syllable (able)
Formas de la palabra
Adjective
  • Base: able
  • Comparative: abler
  • Superlative: ablest
Familia de palabras
Forms
abler adjective ablest adjective
Core family
ability noun A2 enable verb B1
Related words
disable verb B2 disability noun B1 disabled adjective B1
Negative and opposite forms
unable adjective A2 inability noun B2
Advanced or less common
ably adverb
Expresiones

be able to

1
/bˈi ˈeɪbəl tə/
fixed phrase

Have the ability to do something

To have the skill, strength, or time to do something.

Ejemplos
  • I will be able to meet you tomorrow.
  • She wasn’t able to finish her homework before dinner.

better able to

2
/bˈɛtɚ ˈeɪbəl tə/
fixed phrase

Have more ability than before/others

To have more skill or power than before, or compared to someone else.

Ejemplos
  • After the training, he is better able to handle customer complaints.
  • This software makes us better able to track sales data.

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