Question

Being able to do sth VS being capable of doing sth

Answer 1

Hi,

able (adj.)
1. having the necessary power, resources, skill, time, opportunity, etc, to do something ⇒ able to swim
2. capable; competent; talented ⇒ an able teacher
3. (law) qualified, competent, or authorized to do some specific act

capable (adj.)
1. having ability, esp in many different fields; competent
2. able or having the skill (to do something) ⇒ she is capable of hard work
3. having the temperament or inclination (to do something) ⇒ he seemed capable of murder

 

Comments

Thank you Ali,

I saw the meaning & examples in the dictionary myself but I wonder when to use which!
 

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Here is your answer.

http://www.english-for-students.com/Able-and-Capable.html

Hope you make head or tail of it! I couldn't.

Let us know if you find out something.
 

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@dear Facebook

As far as meaning is concerned, Being capable of -mostly- seems to carry the potential or possibility of sth, whereas being able to implies an existing fact.

Grammatically discussing, able is followed by an adjective while capable is followed by the preposition of.

 

Public warning: The former paragraph is a personal impression.