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difference between capable and able



 
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difference between capable and able Mon Feb 05, 2007 7:24 am  difference between capable and able
 

Hello guys!

Can anybody tell me the difference between capable and able?

Which is correct?

She is capable to drive fast. OR
She is able to drive fast.

Why?

Thanks
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difference between capable and able Mon Feb 05, 2007 10:38 am  difference between capable and able
 

Hi,

The constructions are:

capable of doing something

able to do something.

Alan
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difference between capable and able Mon Feb 05, 2007 10:48 am  difference between capable and able
 

thanks Alan.
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difference between capable and able Mon Feb 05, 2007 16:47 pm  difference between capable and able
 

Hi Alan,

Don't you think that apart from the prepositions, there are also other differences? To me, "capable" sounds like having capacity for doing something, while "able" has something to do with opportunities.
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difference between capable and able Mon Feb 05, 2007 17:14 pm  difference between capable and able
 

Hi,

Yes, you're right with regard to the words by themselves. I was explaining the correct use of the words with prepositions. 'Capable' when describing a person would suggest qualities such as ability and skill in doing a variety of things. 'Able' refers often to someone being able to do a particular task.

A
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