Quote:
Originally Posted by Humble  Hi,
I think the problem asked is semantic.
1. She can't do it.
2. She is not able to do it.
What's the difference if any?
Thanks. |
Can refers to
ability only: When I was a child I could play the piano.
be able to refers to
ability + putting the ability into practice:
I was able to get out of prison
So if you make use of your ability
be able to is the choice usually in the past. In the presenr "can" is more often used than
be able to because using an ability always refers to a past action not a present one.