* Comfortable *doing* something emphasizes the action itself. It means you feel at ease and confident while performing that particular activity.
* Example: "I'm comfortable *driving* in the city." (The focus is on the act of driving.)
* Comfortable *with* something emphasizes a general feeling of ease and acceptance about a situation, person, or thing. It suggests you're not bothered or anxious by it.
* Example: "I'm comfortable *with* the new software." (The focus is on accepting and being okay with the software's presence.)
Here's a table to summarize:
| Preposition | Emphasis | Example |
|---|---|---|
| doing | Action | I'm comfortable *giving* presentations. |
| with | Situation/Thing | I'm comfortable *with* being around large crowds. |
In practice:
* You wouldn't say "I'm comfortable *with* driving in the city." This implies you're okay with the fact that driving exists, not that you feel at ease while doing it.
* You wouldn't say "I'm comfortable *doing* the new software." This implies you're comfortable performing the software, not accepting it as a tool.
By understanding the subtle difference, you can communicate your feelings more precisely.