able
able — adjective
- ablepositive
- ablercomparative
- ablestsuperlative
1. having everything required — the physical ability, know-how, time, funds, or sim
having everything required — the physical ability, know-how, time, funds, or simply the chance — to do what is needed
After weeks of practice, Javier was able to play the whole piece from memory.
able + to-infinitive for an acquired skill
The lift is broken, so we are not able to reach the rooftop today.
Fatima will be able to join the call once her meeting finishes at three.
Are you able to pick up the children from school this afternoon?
With the scholarship grant, Ananya is now able to afford her university fees.
- capable of
more formal; often used in official or academic contexts
- in a position to
emphasises having the opportunity rather than the skill itself
文法句型
able + to-infinitive
常見錯誤
2. in a better position to do something, because conditions have changed or help ha
in a better position to do something, because conditions have changed or help has been given
With her new reading glasses, Mei-Lin was better able to study late into the night.
better able + to-infinitive
The new software helps staff members be better able to track customer orders.
After the training course, Dmitri felt better able to handle difficult clients.
Living nearer the hospital, Sofia was better able to care for her elderly father.
- better equipped to
suggests having better tools, training, or preparation
- better placed to
emphasises a more favourable position or location
文法句型
better able + to-infinitive
用法筆記
Always used with 'better' or 'more' before 'able'. This sense compares the present situation with an earlier one where doing the same thing was harder.
3. showing real intelligence and skill in your work or studies
showing real intelligence and skill in your work or studies
Thabo is an able mechanic who can fix almost any engine problem.
attributive use: able + noun
The committee needs several able researchers to lead the new project.
Yuki proved herself an able leader during the company's difficult merger.
Omar's able handling of the crisis earned him the team's lasting respect.
The school board appointed an able headteacher to improve student results.
- incompetent
lacking the basic ability to do a job or task
文法句型
able + noun
用法筆記
Almost always used before a noun. You cannot say 'She is able' to mean 'She is skilled' — in that position, 'able' is understood as sense 1 (capable of doing something).