相似词辨析:can 与be able to 的区别 can 与 be able to 均可表示某人做某事的能力,常可互换
例如: I'm not able to [can't] explain this
我不能解释这个问题
He was able to [could] speak French very well
他的法语讲得很不错
区别: (1) 从时态形式来看,can 只有现在式和过去式(could)两种,而 be able to 则可根据需要使用多种时态,还可以和一些情态动词连用,或用作动词不定式等非谓语形式
I haven't been able to sleep recently
最近我睡不着觉
Our baby will be able to walk in a few weeks
我们的宝宝再过几个星期就能走路了
You might be able to persuade him
你也许能够说服他
I hope to be able to do the work
我希望能干得了这项工作
I regret not being able to help her
我很遗憾未能帮助她
(2) 用于现在时,can 泛指一般的能力,而 be able to 则主要指具体做某件事的能力
He can swim
I am able to express my idea in a clear way
我能清楚地表达自己的想法
(3) 在表示过去的一般能力时,两者没有很大差别
I could / was able to play the piano when I was young
我年轻时会弹钢琴
但如果要表示"一时的能力",即"在过去某时有某种能力,并顺利地完成某事",则要用 was /