compare, contrast

Compare is used to point out likenesses, similarities and to examine two or more objects to find likenesses or differences.

Usage Note

Compare usually takes the preposition to when it refers to the activity of describing the resemblances between unlike things.

He compared her to a summer day.

It takes with when it refers to the act of examining two like things in order to discern their similarities or differences.

The police compared the forged signature with the original.

When compare is used to mean "to liken (one) with another," with is traditionally held to be the correct preposition. That little bauble is not to be compared with (not to) this enormous jewel. But to is frequently used in this context and is not incorrect.

Read more about compared to vs. compared with here.

Contrast always points out differences.

Usage Note 

The noun contrast may be followed by between, with, or to.

There is a sharp contrast between his earlier and later works.

In contrast with (or less frequently, to) his early works, the latter plays are dark and forbidding.

When contrast is used as a transitive verb, both with and to may follow, though with is more common.

Most scholars contrast the light comedies of his early career with (or to) the dark comedies that were written late in his life.

ability to, capable of

The word able suggests the skill or physical ability of an animate being. Ability means the power to do something, mental or physical (ability to run an asylum). Actual skill, either mental or physical; native or acquired.

Using the word able with an inanimate subject sounds strange. Try to use can instead.

Capability comes from capable + ability.
Capability to do a task is the potential to do it. Whether you are able to do the task at the moment or not, is different, but you have the capability or the potential to do it sometime.

Able is followed by an infinitive; capable is followed by of and the gerund.

• Sam had the ability to explain things clearly and concisely.
• Man's ability to talk makes him unlike any other animal.
• Your ability to heal makes you what we'd call a Natural, a human with extraordinary capabilities.
• The novel coronavirus that causes Covid-19 has an ability to cut through the heart muscle in a way that is seen in no other disease.
• A force ten wind is capable of blowing the roofs off houses.
• These new bullets are capable of inflicting massive injuries.
• Sarah wouldn't hurt anyone - she's simply not capable of it.
• We are all fully capable of managing that responsibility
• Currently, I will be able to take up only two classes, though I think I am capable of taking up upto 5 classes per day.

beside, besides

Use beside when you mean at the side of.

Come and sit beside me.

Use besides when you mean in addition to.

Besides doing the cooking I mowed the lawn.

very, too, and enough

Very intensifies the meaning of an adjective.

1. The exam was very difficult. (The exam was difficult, but you could pass it.)

2. The tea is very hot. (The tea is hot, but you can still drink it.)

Too signals a negative result.

1. The exam was too difficult. (no one could pass it.)

2. The tea is too hot to drink. (you can't drink it.)

Enough means sufficient/ sufficiently.

1. There wasn't enough time to finish the exam.

2. The tea is finally cool enough to drink.