| 例句 |
cancan /kən, strong kæn/ verb ► can to be able to do something: He can speak a little English and he knows words like “please” and “thank you.”Can everyone hear me, or do you want me to speak louder? ➔ GRAMMAR: Use could or was/were able to when talking about ability in the past: She could ride a bike when she was three. | He was able to reach the top shelf. Use will be able to when talking about ability in the future: When I get a job, I will be able to buy a car.► be able to be able to means the same as can. You use be able to especially when something is difficult or needs a lot of effort: He is able to walk using a stick.She was able to beat him in the first game, but she lost the second one.► have the ability to to be able to do something, especially something that most people cannot do: Kirsten has the ability to make people feel relaxed and comfortable.► be capable of to have the skills, qualities, or equipment that you need to do something. You use be capable of about people and machines: He is an adult now and he should be capable of making his own decisions.The plane is capable of flying at over 2,000 miles an hour.ANTONYMS ➔ see cannot ➔ see ability, possible (1) |