un cliente se puede elegir el modelo . un cliente puede elegir el modelo .

Question

un cliente se puede elegir el modelo . un cliente puede elegir el modelo .

what's the difference between these two sentences? which one is correct? is it concerned about “Dativo de interés”

Answer 1

un cliente se puede elegir el modelo = a client can choose the model by and for himself

un cliente puede elegir el modelo = a client can choose the model

Do you understand this?

If not, then someone with grammar skills should answer.

Answer 2

Hmm... "un cliente se puede elegir el modelo" doesn't sound right to me.

If the verb is being used passively, then there shouldn't be a named actor (cliente).

It sounds like "a client can be chosen the model".... at least to me.

I would say something like "el modelo se puede elegir por un cliente" o "un cliente puede elegir el modelo," like you said.

But my main concern is knowing if "un cliente se puede elegir el modelo" is actually correct. Can someone help?

and if it is correct, is it like saying "a client can choose a model for himself?" - DonCiro, Nov 8, 2011

Answer 3

I believe the verb poder here is used in a pronominal construction (poderse) only for emphasis.

You can do it, lo puedes hacer. I can also say, te lo puedes hacer.

Un cliente se puede elegir el modelo should mean something like, a client can choose the model, with emphasis on the ability or on how easily the client can choose.

That's how I understand it but I'm not a native speaker.