英語中以able結尾的名詞

在通常情況下，以 –able 結尾的詞為形容詞，而不是名詞，但有趣的是，有些以–able 結尾的詞卻可以用作名詞（當然有些也可用形容詞）。如：

■consumable：something that you buy and use, after which you buy a new one（消費品）. e.g.

low-margin consumables like health and beauty aids

Suppliers add computer consumables, office equipment and furniture to their product range.

語法：可數，常用復數。

■deliverable: a product that a company promises to have ready for a customer(交付物). e.g.

computer software deliverables

語法：可數，常用復數。

■disposable：a disposable product, especially a disposable nappy（一次性物品，尤指一次性尿布）. e.g.

paper disposables

plastic disposables

medical disposables

Do you use disposables or washable nappies?

It's estimated that around 80 per cent of babies wear disposables.

語法：可數，常用復數。

■durable：Durables are goods such as televisions or cars which are expected to last a long time, and are bought infrequently（耐用品）

語法：可數，常用復數。

■inflatable：an object that you fill with air before you use it, for example a ball or boat(充氣玩具).

語法：可數。

■notable：an important or famous person（名人，顯要人物）. e.g.

All the usual local notables were there.

Other notables among his pupils were the kings of Saudi Arabia and Thailand.

語法：可數。

■portable: something that is portable, for example a small computer or other small piece of electrical equipment（便攜式物品。尤指便攜式電腦或電子設備）. e.g.

The document had been typed on a small portable.

We bought a colour portable for the bedroom.

The kids are upstairs watching the portable (= television).

語法：可數。

■receivable：assets of a business represented by accounts that still have to be paid(應收帳款)

語法：總是用復數形式。

■rechargeable：a rechargeable battery(蓄電池). eg.

It is more expensive to run a personal stereo on disposable batteries than on rechargeables.

語法：可數。

■undesirable：someone who is thought to be dangerous or involved in crime (不良分子；不受歡迎的人). eg.

The club hires a bouncer to keep out undesirables.

The Home Office is usually quick to deport undesirables.

語法：可數，常用復數。

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