What is the difference in being physically capable and physically able?
When would one choose one over the other?
differencesword-choice
What is the difference in being physically capable and physically able?
When would one choose one over the other?
Best Answer
One main difference is the preposition that usually follows each of these words. Typically, you see able to, but capable of.
Other than that, pick a dictionary, look the two words up. I'm citing Collins:
You can see a lot of overlap, particularly with definitions #1 & #2 for capable, and definition #2 for able. Both words mean competent; plus, able means capable, and capable means able. This means there will be several contexts where either word could be used:
However, the definitions also show instances where one word couldn't be exchanged for the other: