What is the difference between "se podrán" and "podrán"?

Question

"Tampoco, añade, se podrán establecer relaciones comerciales con clientes anónimos o bajo nombres ficticios por lo que no podrán celebrar contratos hasta que se hayan cumplido los requisitos de identificación de clientes.."

In the statement from a news article, "se podrán" is used. I didn't see a pronominal version of "poder" in the dictionary. Since the verb is plural, the SE usage isn't impersonal. Since "podrán" means "will be able", what does the "SE" add?

Good question! - --Mariana--, Jul 20, 2012

Answer 1

"Se" has various uses. It can be used as a suffix to indicate reflexive and as a replacement for "le" when next to a pronoun that starts with the letter L.

But in this case of "se podrán establecer relaciones comerciales," "se" creates passive voice "commercial relations will be able to be established."

"Se" can be singular or plural.

Julian, you've done it again with a great, easily understood explanation! Glad you are on the team!;0) - cdunn3, Jul 20, 2012

Answer 2

I think I figured it out. The SE is part of establecerse - to set up / open up (a business).

Look at Julian's answer for an explanation. - --Mariana--, Jul 20, 2012