able
- capable
Able and capable are both used to say that someone can do something.
‘able’
If someone is able to do something, they can do it either because of their knowledge or skill, or because it is possible.
He wondered if he would be able to climb over the fence.
They were able to use their profits for new investments.
If you use a past tense, you mean that someone has actually done something.
We were able to reduce costs.
➜ See can - could - be able to
‘capable’
If someone is capable of doing something, they have the knowledge and skill to do it.
The workers are perfectly capable of running the organization themselves.
You can say that someone is capable of a particular feeling or action.
He's capable of loyalty.
I don't believe he's capable of murder.
You can also use capable of when you are talking about what something such as a car or machine can do.
The car was capable of 110 miles per hour.
‘able’ or ‘capable’
If you describe someone as able or capable, you mean that they do things well.
He's certainly a capable gardener.
Naomi was a hard-working and able student.