对able，最常见的用法是be able to, 但它也可以用作定语。虽然其基本含义是“能”，但仔细琢磨起来，“能”也有好多种。
用法1：用在职业名词前面，表达在职业上有能力，如
【例句1】He is an able student. (他是个能力强的学生。)[剑桥学术内容词典]
【例句2】This problem is now being looked at by some of the ablest minds/scientists in the country. (这个问题现在正被该国一些最有能力的大脑/科学家所关注。) [剑桥高级学者词典]
用法2：able to do, 此能力和知识用过后天习得或努力获得，如，
【例句3】She was able to program her computer. (她能够对电脑进行编程。)
【例句4】You must be able to speak French for this job. (你必须会说法语才能胜任这份工作。)[牛津高级学者词典]
【例句5】The older child should be able to prepare a simple meal. (大一点的孩子应该能做一顿简单的饭。)[柯林斯高级学者词典]
【例句6】The company say they're able to keep pricing competitive. （该公司表示，他们能够保持价格竞争力。）[柯林斯高级学者词典]
【例句7】They seemed able to work together very efficiently. (他们似乎能够非常有效地配合。)[柯林斯高级学者词典]
用法3：able to do, 不是太强调习得的能力和技巧(尤其是体能)，如
【例句8】Human beings are able to walk on two feet. （人类能够用两只脚走路。）
【例句9】Superman is able to leap tall buildings. （超人能跳过高楼。）
【例句10】A viral illness left her barely able to walk. (病毒性疾病使她几乎不能走路。)[牛津高级学者词典]
用法4：able to do, 满足外部条件的“能”，外部条件可以是自由、时间、金钱、机会等等，如
【例句11】We were at last able to buy a car. (我们终于能买了辆车。)[过去式的able to do一般蕴含do已经做了]
【例句12】You'll be able to read in peace. (你将能够平静地阅读。) [柯林斯高级学者词典]
【例句13】Will you be able to come?(你能来吗？)[牛津高级学者词典; 重点在条件是否允许，不是你有没有来的身体能力]
【例句14】We're still able to get visas to come and go from Thailand. (我们仍然可以获得从泰国往返签证。)[牛津高级学者词典]
【例句15】I lost my job and wasn't able to afford my old apartment. (我失业了，负担不起我的旧公寓。)[剑桥学术内容词典]
此义项的“能”甚至可以推到物体，如
【例句16】That cliff is able to be climbed. (那个悬崖可以爬。)
用法5：表达“身强力壮的、健康的”，如
【例句17】Every able-bodied young man served in the army. （每个身体健全的年轻人都在军队服役。）[此义项现已不常用]
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