1. Logic helps develop your ability of thinking.(×)
Logic helps develop your ability to think.(√)
the / sb's ability to do sth为英文的习惯用法。
2. How can I improve my ability of writing?(×)
How can I improve my writing ability?(√)
reading / writing / teaching / acting ability为固定用法。
3. Your ability of English leaves much to be desired.(×)
Your ability in English leaves much to be desired.(√)
ability in+学科，表“有某学科的能力”，如:The test is designed to assess the
4. Peter has shown his abilities for a leader.(×)
Peter has shown his abilities as a leader.(√)
Peter has shown his leadership abilities.(√)
abilities as + 身份，表“当……的能力”。
5. An epidemic like this is able to claim thousands of lives.(×)
An epidemic like this is capable of claiming thousands of lives.(√)
An epidemic like this can claim thousands of lives.(√)
论能力时，be able to须用人当主语，如:He was able to mite poems at the age of seven.(他七岁时便能写诗。)至于be capable of (doing) sth或can十V，则用人或物作主语皆可。
6. A small child is able to make big trouble.(×)
A small child is capable of making big trouble.(√)
A small child can make big trouble.(√)
be able to表“(某人)具有……的能力”。be capable of (doing) stb或can+V，除表“能力”外，还具有“有……的可能性”之含意。
7. Please read it aloud. I am not able to hear you.(×)
Please read it aloud. I can't hear you.(√)
She is not able to decide what to buy.(×)
She can't decide what to buy.(√)
感官动词(see> hear, smell)和表示心理活动的动词(understand, decide, remember)常与can/can't搭配使用。
8. In the country, you are not able to buy cigarettes or alcohol until you are 18.(×)
In the country, you can't buy cigarettes or alcohol until you are 18.(√)
有关法令或规定，须用can/can't或be (not) allowed to，如:Teenagers are not allowed to stay out late at night.(青少年不准深夜在外逗留。)
9. Above two thousand people staged the rally.(×)
Over two thousand people staged the rally.(√)
表“超过”时，须用over: above一般不与数字连用，但above可与表度量的数字连用 如:I'm afraid the child is well above 90 kilos.(恐怕这孩子早已超过90公斤了。)
10. I'm sure the man is over suspicion.(×)
I'm sure the man is above suspicion.(√)
above suspicion / criticism / reproach表“没有嫌疑/无可非议/不能指责”，为固定用法。
