Meaning of Able
In simple words: Having the skill, power, or opportunity to do something.
Able in a sentence
- She is able to speak three languages.
- He is physically able to climb the mountain.
- With practice, you will be able to play the piano.
- You must be able to finish your homework on time.
- Only a few are able to solve this puzzle quickly.
How to use Able
Use 'able' to express capability in a neutral context. It’s appropriate in both spoken and written English but avoid using it in overly formal situations.
Grammar pattern
be + able + to + verb
Memory hint
Think of 'able' as 'a bull' — imagine a strong bull that can do anything.
Related words
Opposites of Able
- unable
- incapable
Common mistakes with Able
- Confused with 'capable' — they are similar but not interchangeable.
- Using 'able' without 'to' when following it with a verb.
- Incorrectly using 'able' with a past event.
Compare Able with Capable, Competent, Qualified, Skilled, Fit
Able appears in
Able in other languages
- Arabicالعربية
قادر
يمتلك المهارة أو القوة أو الفرصة للقيام بشيء ما.
- Bengaliবাংলা
সক্ষম
কোনো কিছু করার ক্ষমতা, শক্তি বা সুযোগ থাকা।
- GermanDeutsch
Fähig, Können
Die Fähigkeit, Macht oder Gelegenheit haben, etwas zu tun.
- SpanishEspañol
Capaz
Tener la habilidad, poder u oportunidad para hacer algo.
- Persianفارسی
توانا، قادر
داشتن مهارت، قدرت یا فرصت انجام کاری.
- FrenchFrançais
Capable
Avoir la compétence, le pouvoir ou l'opportunité de faire quelque chose.
- Hindiहिन्दी
सक्षम, योग्य
किसी काम को करने के लिए कौशल, शक्ति या मौका होना।
- ItalianItaliano
in grado di, capace di
Avere le capacità, il potere o l'opportunità di fare qualcosa.
- PortuguesePortuguês
Capaz, Habilidoso
Ter a habilidade, poder ou oportunidade de fazer algo.
- RussianРусский
Способный, умеющий
Имеющий навыки, силу или возможность что-то сделать.
- Urduاردو
قابل، لائق
کسی کام کو کرنے کی صلاحیت، طاقت یا موقع رکھنا۔
- Chinese中文
能够
有能力、权力或机会去做某事。
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Frequently asked questions about Able
What does Able mean?
Having the skill, power, or opportunity to do something.
What is the definition of Able?
having the skill, intelligence, opportunity, etc. needed to do something
How do you use Able in a sentence?
She is able to speak three languages.
Can you give another example of Able?
He is physically able to climb the mountain.
What are synonyms for Able?
Common alternatives include capable, competent, qualified, skilled, fit.
What is the opposite of Able?
Opposite meanings include unable, incapable.
What words go with Able?
It commonly pairs with be, feel, prove, fully, perfectly, quite, be, seem, extremely, fairly, very.
What are common mistakes when using Able?
Confused with 'capable' — they are similar but not interchangeable. Using 'able' without 'to' when following it with a verb. Incorrectly using 'able' with a past event.
How do you pronounce Able?
US: /["/ˈeɪbl/","/ˈeɪblər/","/ˈeɪblɪst/"]/, UK: /["/ˈeɪbl/","/ˈeɪblə(r)/","/ˈeɪblɪst/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.
When should I use Able?
Use 'able' to express capability in a neutral context. It’s appropriate in both spoken and written English but avoid using it in overly formal situations.
What CEFR level is Able?
"Able" is at A2 level on the CEFR scale.



















