Complete Guide to “Be Able To” with Examples in English and Hindi

Introduction to “Be Able To”

The phrase “be able to” serves as a versatile alternative to modal verbs like “can” and “could,” particularly when expressing ability in various tenses. This comprehensive guide explores its meanings, grammatical structures, and practical usage with Hindi translations.

Meaning and Usage (अर्थ और प्रयोग)

“Be able to” expresses:

• Ability (क्षमता) – Present, past, or future capability
• Opportunity (अवसर) – Chance to do something
• Achievement (उपलब्धि) – Successful completion of an action
• Possibility (संभावना) – Potential to accomplish something

Unlike “can/could,” it works in all tenses:

• Present: am/is/are able to
• Past: was/were able to
• Future: will be able to
• Perfect: have been able to

Grammatical Structures (व्याकरणिक संरचनाएँ)

1. Affirmative Sentences (सकारात्मक वाक्य)

Structure: Subject + appropriate form of “be” + able to + base verb
Example:
She is able to solve complex problems.
(वह जटिल समस्याओं को हल करने में सक्षम है।)

2. Negative Sentences (नकारात्मक वाक्य)

Structure: Subject + appropriate form of “be” + not + able to + base verb
Example:
They were not able to attend the meeting.
(वे बैठक में शामिल नहीं हो पाए।)

3. Interrogative Sentences (प्रश्नवाचक वाक्य)

Structure: Appropriate form of “be” + subject + able to + base verb?
Example:
Will you be able to finish on time?
(क्या आप समय पर समाप्त कर पाएँगे?)

When to Use “Be Able To” Instead of “Can/Could”

1. In future tenses (“will be able to” instead of “can”)
2. With infinitives (“I want to be able to swim”)
3. After modal verbs (“She might be able to help”)
4. In perfect tenses (“I have been able to”)

15 Practical Examples with Hindi Translations

S.No.	English Sentence	Hindi Translation
1.	I am able to speak three languages.	मैं तीन भाषाएँ बोलने में सक्षम हूँ।
2.	Were you able to find the keys?	क्या आप चाबियाँ ढूँढ पाए?
3.	She will be able to join us tomorrow.	वह कल हमसे जुड़ पाएगी।
4.	We haven’t been able to contact him.	हम उससे संपर्क नहीं कर पाए हैं।
5.	The team was able to complete the project.	टीम परियोजना पूरी करने में सफल रही।
6.	Are you able to drive a truck?	क्या आप ट्रक चला सकते हैं?
7.	They weren’t able to understand the instructions.	वे निर्देश समझ नहीं पाए।
8.	I hope to be able to visit India soon.	मुझे उम्मीद है कि मैं जल्द ही भारत आ पाऊँगा।
9.	The child is able to read now.	बच्चा अब पढ़ने में सक्षम है।
10.	Will he be able to recover quickly?	क्या वह जल्दी ठीक हो पाएगा?
11.	You should be able to solve this easily.	आपको यह आसानी से हल करने में सक्षम होना चाहिए।
12.	We were finally able to meet the CEO.	हम अंततः CEO से मिल पाए।
13.	Is the app able to recognize faces?	क्या ऐप चेहरों को पहचानने में सक्षम है?
14.	They haven’t been able to locate the file.	वे फाइल का पता नहीं लगा पाए हैं।
15.	She might be able to help us.	शायद वह हमारी मदद कर पाए।

Key Differences from “Can/Could”

1. Tense Flexibility: Works in all tenses
2. Formality: More formal than “can/could”
3. Specificity: Emphasizes actual achievement (“was able to” vs “could”)
4. Grammatical Position: Can follow other verbs/modals

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using “can” in future tense (“will can” → incorrect)
2. Overusing in simple present (“I can swim” vs “I am able to swim”)
3. Confusing with “be capable of” (which focuses on inherent ability)

Conclusion

Mastering “be able to” enhances your English expression by providing grammatical flexibility across all tenses. While “can/could” remain common for basic ability, this phrase offers precision in formal contexts and complex sentences. Practice the examples regularly to develop natural usage.

“Be able to” का सही प्रयोग आपकी अंग्रेज़ी को अधिक स्पष्ट और परिष्कृत बनाता है!
नियमित अभ्यास से आप इसका स्वाभाविक उपयोग सीख जाएँगे!