Learning how to use “able” correctly in English is very important for speaking, writing, school exams, and daily communication. The word able is commonly used to show ability, possibility, skill, or capability.
In this complete guide, you will learn:
- Meaning of Able
- Rules of using Able
- Sentence structures
- Positive, negative, and interrogative sentences
- Daily use sentences
- Examples with Hindi meaning
- Exercises and practice questions
- MCQs with answers
What is the Meaning of Able?
The word “able” means:
- capable
- skilled
- having the power or ability to do something
Hindi Meaning of Able
- सक्षम
- योग्य
- करने में समर्थ
Definition of Able
“Able” is an adjective used to describe a person who has the skill, strength, knowledge, or opportunity to do something.
Example
- She is able to solve difficult questions.
(वह कठिन प्रश्न हल करने में सक्षम है।)
Structure of Sentences Using Able
Basic Formula
Subject + am/is/are + able + to + verb
Examples
- I am able to swim.
- He is able to speak English.
- They are able to complete the work.
Use of Able in Different Tenses
1. Present Tense Sentences Using Able
Structure
Subject + am/is/are + able to + verb
Examples
- I am able to understand this lesson.
- She is able to dance very well.
- We are able to finish the project on time.
- He is able to drive a car.
- They are able to help us.
2. Past Tense Sentences Using Able
Structure
Subject + was/were + able to + verb
Examples
- I was able to complete my homework.
- She was able to win the competition.
- They were able to reach the station.
- He was able to solve the problem.
- We were able to meet the teacher.
3. Future Tense Sentences Using Able
Structure
Subject + will be able to + verb
Examples
- I will be able to help you tomorrow.
- She will be able to sing on stage.
- They will be able to visit Delhi next week.
- We will be able to complete the work.
- He will be able to pass the exam.
Rules for Using Able
Rule 1: Use “to” after able
Correct:
- She is able to read.
Incorrect:
- She is able read.
Rule 2: Use base form of verb after “to”
Correct:
- He is able to write.
Incorrect:
- He is able to writing.
Rule 3: Use helping verbs properly
- am → with I
- is → with he/she/it
- are → with we/you/they
Positive Sentences Using Able
- I am able to cook food.
- He is able to play cricket.
- She is able to teach students.
- We are able to solve questions.
- They are able to lift the box.
Negative Sentences Using Able
Structure
Subject + am/is/are + not + able to + verb
Examples
- I am not able to understand this chapter.
- She is not able to come today.
- He is not able to walk properly.
- We are not able to complete the task.
- They are not able to attend the class.
Interrogative Sentences Using Able
Structure
Am/Is/Are + subject + able to + verb?
Examples
- Are you able to speak Hindi?
- Is she able to solve this sum?
- Am I able to join the meeting?
- Are they able to finish the work?
- Is he able to swim?
WH Question Sentences Using Able
Examples
- Why are you not able to come?
- How is she able to remember everything?
- When will you be able to meet me?
- Where are they able to find help?
- Who is able to solve this puzzle?
Daily Use Sentences Using Able
At Home
- I am able to clean my room.
- Mother is able to cook quickly.
- My brother is able to repair the fan.
At School
- Students are able to answer the questions.
- The teacher is able to explain the topic clearly.
- I am able to complete my classwork.
At Work
- He is able to manage the team.
- We are able to complete the project.
- She is able to speak with clients confidently.
In Conversation
- Are you able to help me?
- I am not able to hear you.
- Will you be able to come tomorrow?
Sentences Using Able with Hindi Meaning
| English Sentence | Hindi Meaning |
|---|---|
| I am able to swim. | मैं तैरने में सक्षम हूँ। |
| She is able to sing beautifully. | वह सुंदर गाना गाने में सक्षम है। |
| He is able to solve the puzzle. | वह पहेली हल करने में सक्षम है। |
| We are able to win the match. | हम मैच जीतने में सक्षम हैं। |
| They are able to understand English. | वे अंग्रेज़ी समझने में सक्षम हैं। |
| I was able to finish the work. | मैं काम पूरा करने में सक्षम था। |
| She will be able to drive soon. | वह जल्द ही गाड़ी चलाने में सक्षम होगी। |
| Are you able to help me? | क्या आप मेरी मदद करने में सक्षम हैं? |
| He is not able to run fast. | वह तेज दौड़ने में सक्षम नहीं है। |
| Will they be able to come today? | क्या वे आज आ पाएँगे? |
Difference Between Can and Able
| Can | Able |
|---|---|
| Used for general ability | More formal |
| Common in speaking | Common in writing |
| Example: I can swim. | Example: I am able to swim. |
Important Note
“Can” and “able to” often have similar meanings, but “able to” is commonly used in formal English and different tenses.
Common Mistakes with Able
| Incorrect Sentence | Correct Sentence |
|---|---|
| She is able sing. | She is able to sing. |
| He able to drive. | He is able to drive. |
| I am able to swimming. | I am able to swim. |
| They are able play football. | They are able to play football. |
| We able to complete the work. | We are able to complete the work. |
| She was able solving the problem. | She was able to solve the problem. |
| Are you able helping me? | Are you able to help me? |
| He is not able understand English. | He is not able to understand English. |
| I will able to come tomorrow. | I will be able to come tomorrow. |
| The students are able writing essays. | The students are able to write essays. |
Exercise – Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks using able, able to, was able to, or will be able to.
- She is ______ solve the question.
- I was ______ complete the task yesterday.
- They will be ______ visit us tomorrow.
- Are you ______ help me?
- He is not ______ walk properly.
Answers
- able to
- able to
- able to
- able to
- able to
Rewrite the Sentences
Change into Negative Sentences
- She is able to dance.
- We are able to win.
- He is able to help me.
Answers
- She is not able to dance.
- We are not able to win.
- He is not able to help me.
Change into Interrogative Sentences
- They are able to speak English.
- He is able to run fast.
- She was able to complete the work.
Answers
- Are they able to speak English?
- Is he able to run fast?
- Was she able to complete the work?
MCQs on Sentences Using Able
1. Choose the correct sentence.
A. She able to sing.
B. She is able to sing.
C. She is able sing.
D. She able sing.
Answer:
B. She is able to sing.
2. Which helping verb is used with “I”?
A. are
B. is
C. am
D. were
Answer:
C. am
3. Fill in the blank.
He will be able ___ drive.
A. for
B. at
C. to
D. on
Answer:
C. to
4. Choose the negative sentence.
A. She is able to dance.
B. She was able to dance.
C. She is not able to dance.
D. She will be able to dance.
Answer:
C. She is not able to dance.
5. Which sentence is correct?
A. They are able to help.
B. They able to help.
C. They are able help.
D. They able help.
Answer:
A. They are able to help.
Practice Questions
- Write five sentences using “able”.
- Make two negative sentences using “able”.
- Write three interrogative sentences using “able”.
- Explain the meaning of “able” with examples.
- Write the structure of sentences using “able”.
Short Paragraph Using Able
I am able to study English every day. My sister is able to help me with grammar. Our teacher is able to explain difficult topics clearly. Because of regular practice, we are able to speak English confidently.
Conclusion
The word “able” is very useful in English grammar and daily conversation. It helps us express ability, capability, and possibility clearly. By learning the rules, structures, and sentence patterns of “able,” students can improve both spoken and written English.
Practice daily use sentences, exercises, and MCQs regularly to become more confident in using “able” correctly.