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Meaning & use

will be able to

phrase·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˌwɪl bi ˈeɪbl tə/
US/ˌwɪl bi ˈeɪbəl tuː/

Meanings

  1. phrasefixed phrase

    Used to say that someone or something will have the ability, opportunity, or means to do something in the future.

    Grammar: Followed by 'to' + base verb: will be able to come. Do not say 'will can'.

    Patterns

    • will be able to do something
    • will not be able to do something
    • will you be able to do something?

    After the operation, she will be able to walk without pain.

    Will you be able to finish the report by Friday?

    We will be able to see the mountains from our new apartment.

  2. phrasefixed phrase

    Used in polite requests or offers to ask whether someone can do something.

    Grammar: Often in questions: Will you be able to help? It sounds slightly more formal than 'Can you help?'

    Patterns

    • will you be able to do something?
    • will you be able to make it?

    Will you be able to join us for dinner on Saturday?

    Will you be able to give me a hand with these boxes?

Common combinations

will be able to attend
I hope you will be able to attend the meeting.
will be able to afford
With the raise, they will be able to afford a bigger house.
will be able to tell
The doctor will be able to tell you more after the test.
will not be able to make it
Sorry, we will not be able to make it to the party.

Synonyms and how they differ

can
Use 'can' for present ability; 'will be able to' is the future form, because 'will can' is not grammatical.
be capable of
This focuses on having the skill or quality needed, often for a general ability, while 'will be able to' focuses on a specific future situation.
manage to
This suggests succeeding with some difficulty, whereas 'will be able to' simply states future ability or opportunity.

Opposites

will be unable to

Word family

able adjective
Having the skill, strength, or opportunity to do something.
ability noun
The fact of being able to do something; a skill or talent.
unable adjective
Not able to do something.

Commonly confused: will be able to or can?

will be able to vs can

Learners often say 'will can', but 'can' has no future form with 'will'. Use 'will be able to' instead.

Practice

By next year, I ______ speak Japanese well enough to travel alone.

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