What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
able
Example
She is able to lift heavy weights at the gym. [able: adjective]
Example
He was able to finish the project on time. [able: verb]
capable
Example
She is capable of handling complex tasks with ease. [capable: adjective]
Example
He proved himself capable of leading the team to victory. [capable: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Able is more commonly used in everyday language than capable. Able is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while capable is more formal and often used in professional or academic contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between able and capable?
Capable is more formal than able and is often used in professional or academic contexts. While able can be used in both formal and informal contexts, capable is typically reserved for more formal situations.
