able

be able + 動詞不定式 = can

Some people are able to/can walk on their hand.
有些人能用手走路

I am unable to/can't understand what she wants.
我弄不明白她要什麼

如果要表示"知道怎樣做"的意思, 以及在 can see, can hear 等詞組之中,多用can 較為自然

e.g.
Can you knit?
I can see the ship.

在有些情況下(例如: 將來式, 現在完成式), 語法上不允許用can/could, 就用be able.

e.g.
One day scientists will be able to find a cure for cancer.
總有一天科學家能找到根治癌症的方法

What have you been able to find out?
你發現了什麼?

I might be able to help you.
我也許能幫助你.

able 後面一般不接動詞不定式的被動式

He can't be understood.
他讓人無法玩解.


撰自Practical English Usage

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