| 词组 | can |
| 释义 | can /kən strongkæn/ modal verb negative short form can’t to be able to do something or to know how to do something: Gabriella can speak French fluently. You can swim, can’t you? I’m afraid Mr Harding can’t see you now – he’s busy. Even a small personal computer can store vast amounts of information. The police are doing all they can to find her.THESAURUS: can be able to do sth used when saying that someone can do something: Will you be able to carry those bags on your own? | I was able to find out some more information about the course. | If you want to join the expedition, you must be able to speak Spanish. | The young birds are now able to fly. | I was able to get a good job (=I got one).Can or be able to?Be able to is used to form the future and past tenses of can, and is also the infinitive form of can.Be able to and can are sometimes used in slightly different ways. Compare these sentences: I can hear someone coming. You use can when talking about everyday things you can see, hear etc. You would not use 'be able to' in this sentence. He is able to walk without a stick You often use be able to when something seems difficult, or when someone was previously unable to do something. Can is also possible here - you use be able to because you are emphasizing that something is difficult to do. I called three times, and finally I was able to speak to the manager. You use be able to when saying that you succeeded in doing something after a lot of effort. You would not use 'can' in this sentence. be capable of sth 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 miles per hour. | No one thought he was capable of murder. have the ability to do sth 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 sth 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 sth 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 sth can’t/cannot do sth 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 sth used when talking about inability in the past or the future, when you need to use an infinitive form of can, and also 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 sth to not be able to do something, especially something important that you want to do or need to do - used especially in written English: 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 sth also be in no position to do sth 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 sth also be incapable of sth 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. |
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