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general::
to be able to do something
can do something
to have the ability, opportunity, time, or equipment that you need in order to do something. Could is used as the past form, and is also used to say what is or may be possible:
• ‘I don’t think Mike can drive.’ ‘Yes, he can.’ • He can run faster than me. • Can you see the TV, or should I move? • This program can translate your e-mail into other languages. • How many hamburgers do you think you can eat? • Adrian could read when he was four. • If we had a boat we could row across to the island. • Why didn’t they ask me? I could have done it for them for half the price. • She could win.
be able to do something
used when talking about ability or success in the past or ability in the future, or when you need to use an infinitive . It is also used instead of can in more formal English:
• I was able to get a good job (= I got one ) . • Will you be able to carry those bags on your own? • If you want to join the expedition, you must be able to speak Spanish. • The young birds are now able to fly.
be capable of something
to have the ability, energy, or qualities needed to do something, especially something very difficult or unusual – use this about people or machines:
• She’s perfectly capable (= completely capable ) of dealing with the situation. • The car is capable of a top speed of 200 mph. • No one thought he was capable of murder.
have the ability to do something
to be able to do something, especially something that is unusual or that most people cannot do:
• She seemed to have the ability to make people do anything she wanted. • I believe the team definitely has the ability to win the championship.
be in a position to do something
to be able to do something because you have enough knowledge, power, money, or equipment to do it:
• We will have to run more tests before we are in a position to say whether the document is authentic or not. • They expect be in a position to begin construction within two years.
manage to do something
to succeed in doing something difficult, especially after trying very hard:
• He finally managed to find an apartment near his office. • At least three of the hostages managed to escape.
to be unable to do something
can’t/cannot do something
to be unable to do something because you do not have the ability, opportunity, time, or equipment that you need. Couldn’t/could not is used as the past form:
• Louise can’t see anything without her glasses. • He couldn’t remember where he had left the car. • ‘Will you help me move this?’ ‘I’m sorry, I can’t – my back’s still giving me trouble.’ • I couldn’t have done it without your help. • I could never have climbed that ridge – I’m too out of shape. • Scientists still cannot explain exactly how the virus reproduces. • Sarah could not understand why anyone would want to hurt her.
not be able to do something
used when talking about inability in the past or the future, when you need to use an infinitive , and in more formal English:
• Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to help them. • I don’t think I’ll be able to come to the meeting after all. • The doctor told Tina she wouldn’t be able to have children. • I’ve looked all over the house but I haven’t been able to find my keys anywhere.
be unable to do something
especially written to not be able to do something, especially something important that you want to do or need to do:
• He was unable to sleep and lay awake all night. • Many passengers were unable to reach the lifeboats in time.
not be in a position to do something
( also be in no position to do something ) formal to not be able to do something because you do not have enough knowledge, power, money, or equipment to do it:
• I’m afraid I’m not in a position to answer your questions. • Having committed military force there, America is in no position to repeat this strategy elsewhere.
not be capable of something
( also be incapable of something ) to not have the physical strength or mental ability to do something – often used when criticizing someone:
• My son seems to be incapable of keeping a job. • She’s not capable of looking after herself any more. • Her father was a man who was utterly incapable of pity or sympathy.
Longman-Thesaurus