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Which prepositions can be used with Capable in English? 5 minutes to explore the meaning of Capable in English

When describing someone's ability or capacity to do something, which word do you usually use? Can or Able? In this article, PREP will introduce you to a similar word, which is Capable. So, what is Capable in English? Which prepositions can be used with Capable in English? To understand the definition, accompanying prepositions, and the differences between Capable and Able, please read this article to the end!

What is Capable? The usage of Capable in English

I. What is Capable in English?

Before finding out "Which prepositions can be used with Capable in English?", let's explore the definition and a list of synonyms for Capable in English with PREP!

1. Definition

In English, Capable is pronounced as /ˈkeɪ.pə.bəl/ and functions as an adjective used to express someone's ability to do things effectively and skilfully and to achieve results. For example:

Maria's a very capable woman.
We need to get an assistant who's capable and efficient.

2. Synonyms

Let's explore the list of synonyms for Capable in English with PREP below!

Synonyms for Capable in English	Meaning	Example
Able /ˈeɪbəl/	to have the necessary physical strength, mental power, skill, time, money, or opportunity to do something	Despite the challenge, Jack was able to complete the marathon.
Competent /ˈkɒmpɪtənt/	able to do something well	Jennie is a competent manager and always fulfills her duties responsibly.
Expert /ˈɛkspɜrt/	having or showing a lot of knowledge or skill	John is an expert programmer and always delivers high-quality code.
Skillful /ˈskɪlfəl/	good at doing something, especially because you have practiced doing it	The artist demonstrated skillful technique through his piano performance.
Accomplished /əˈkʌmplɪʃt/	able to do or finish something successfully	Lisa is an accomplished writer, having completed numerous bestselling novels.

You can also explore more synonyms and antonyms for Capable in the Cambridge Dictionary here!

II. List of prepositions used with Capable in English

In this section, let's discover "Which prepositions can be used with Capable in English?" with PREP below!

Prepositions used with Capable in English	Meaning	Example
Capable of	having the ability or qualities necessary for doing something	Robert is capable of the new CEO position of the company.
Capable in	having the ability to do things well	Nick is capable in emergency situations.

III. Differences between Capable and Able

Let's explore the differences between Capable and Able with PREP!

Differences between Capable and Able	Capable	Able
Meaning	Having knowledge and skills to do something. Demonstrating specific abilities or capabilities through experience, education, or achievements.	To have the necessary physical strength, mental power, skill, time, money, or opportunity to do something. Often used to refer to someone's overall ability.
Example	Anna’s a very capable lawyer.	Will Maria be able to cope with the work?

IV. Exercises on using Capable in English

To understand more about "Which prepositions can be used with Capable in English?", let's complete the following exercises with PREP!

1. Exercises

Exercise 1: Find and correct errors

Jack is capable to complete these tasks.
Jimmy is can of playing piano so well.
They are able leaders.
Lisa is capable of swim for 2 hours.
John is a good pharmacist, he is capable of the medical laboratory.

Exercise 2: Fill in the blanks with appropriate prepositions

My manager is going away next week, so she’ll be leaving everything _______ my capable hands.
My boss needs to get an assistant who’s capable _______ dealing with emergency situations.
I think women are more capable _______ looking after children rather than men.
Lucy is considered to be capable _______ every case.
I guarantee that Simon is really capable _______ doing this project.

Exercise 3: Choose Capable or Able to complete the sentences

Sarah is ______ of speaking four languages fluently.
Will Tom be ______ to finish the project on time?
The team is ______ of achieving great results with their hard work.
Is your sister ______ to solve complex mathematical problems?
The new employee has shown herself to be highly ______ in handling customer complaints.
Are you ______ to swim across the lake?
Despite his young age, the child is ______ of playing the piano beautifully.
Our team is ______ to adapt quickly to changing circumstances.
The experienced surgeon is ______ of performing complex surgeries with precision.
Is your brother ______ to fix the broken computer?

2. Answer

Exercise 1	1 - to complete ➞ of completing	2 - can ➞ capable	3 - able ➞ capable	4 - swim ➞ swimming	5 - of ➞ in
Exercise 2	1 - in	2 - of	3 - of	4 - in	5 - of
Exercise 3	1 - capable	2 - able	3 - capable	4 - able	5 - capable
Exercise 3	6 - able	7 - capable	8 - able	9 - capable	10 - able

The article above is all the knowledge about Capable in English. After reading this article, you surely know which prepositions can be used with Capable in English, right? Visit PREP regularly to update your English knowledge!

Master Tu Pham

Founder/CEO at Prep

Mr. Tú Phạm is the founder of PREP, a Smart Test Preparation Platform. With over 10 years of teaching and test preparation experience, he has assisted thousands of students in achieving high scores on the IELTS exam. Additionally, Mr. Tú Phạm serves as a consultant for British Council programs and as a speaker at numerous premier education events, programs, and seminars.