Adjectives

“Capable” vs. “Able”

Adjectives, Versus

I have wondered on occasion about the distinction between these two words.

Problem:
These two adjectives are not quite synonyms.

Explanation:
The primary definitions of the adjectives “capable” and “able” speak to the same concept: having adequate power to do something.

The primary definition of “able” is having the necessary power: “The truck is able to pull a two-ton load.”

The primary definition of “capable” is having power; competent: “She was a capable museum lecturer.”

Here is the distinction between these two adjectives:

  • “able” refers to having power equal to the effort required;
  • “capable” refers to having power to meet ordinary requirements.

Solution:
Favor using “capable” when referring specifically to ordinary requirements; otherwise, use “able” instead.

“… content assessable from the home page”

Adjectives, Devolution toward Simpler, Mispronunciations

I saw this in a PowerPoint document.

Problem:
The word “assessable” makes no sense in this phrase.

Explanation:
The PowerPoint document was about online support content. The slide in which this appeared was about providing a link to support content from the home page of the website.

The adjective “assessable” means capable of being assessed (e.g., for the purpose of taxation).

The PowerPoint author probably mispronounces — or at least hears mispronounced — “accessible” as “assessable” instead.

If you cannot imagine this, then think of the way that Jo Frost on the ABC TV show “Supernanny” mispronounces “That’s not acceptable.” as “That’s not asseptable.” instead.

I believe that this kind of mispronunciation — mispronouncing a “k” sound followed by an “s” sound as simply an “s” sound — is consistent with my “Devolution toward Simpler” linguistic hypothesis.

Solution:
“… content accessible from the home page”

“Determinate” vs. “Determinant”

Adjectives, Common English Blunders, Mispronunciations, Nouns, Verbs, Versus

I sometimes hear these two words used interchangeably.

Problem:
These two words are not synonyms.

Explanation:
The primary definition of the word “determinate” as a verb is to make certain of. The primary definition of the word “determinate” as an adjective is having defined limits.

The primary definition of the word “determinant” as a noun is a determining agent. The primary definition of the word “determinant” as an adjective is having the power of deciding.

I believe that these words most often are used interchangeably because of sloppy pronunciation.

Solution:
When using each of these words as an adjective, think having defined limits for “determinate” and having the power of deciding for ” determinant”.