The past tense of poder

Question

How would you say, I was able to practice my singing, in Spanish. Can you say, pude practicar mi cantar or Era capaz practicar mi cantar.

Please fill out your profile so we may better help you . - ray76, Apr 24, 2014

Answer 1

Poder is a verb that changes meaning depending on what tense you use. Pude (preterite) usually translates to "I managed," while "podia" is usually "I was able." Also, "pude" infers that the "being able" had a definite beginning and end, while "podia" infers an ongoing action of "being able." Does that make sense? So, in your case I'd probably say "Podía practicar a cantar." The verb "practicar" in this context requires the preposition "a."

I think practicar a cantar sounds very natural, but I cannot find practicar on any list of verbs that require the preposition a, nor an example in the dictionary that uses the a. - gringojrf, Apr 24, 2014

Do you have a reference that you could provide us? - gringojrf, Apr 24, 2014

Simon & Schuster dictionary - Jota8326, Apr 25, 2014

Answer 2

Depends of context:

Pude/podía practicar mi canto.

This is the most accurate. - jphip, Apr 24, 2014

Answer 3

"I was able to practice my singing" sounds like part of a more complete thought.

I was able to practice my singing so my performance was very good.

I was able to practice my singing while my daughter took a nap.

etc.

As such it is setting the stage for the other part and thus, while no grammar expert, I would suggest the use of the imperfect.

Podía practicar cantando.....

You might also look for alternative ways of expressing "Ï was able to" such as "I had the opportunity to" or "I had a chance to".

Answer 4

¡Hola!, adsimon:

Here is my suggestion:

"Pude practicar cantando."

You have used "cantar" meaning "to sing" when I do not think that is correct. I suggest it would be more correct to use the gerund "singing".

You have also said "mi cantar" when I don't think "mi" is needed because if you practice singing, then it is self evident that it was you and "mi" is unnecessary.

Saludos/Best regards,

Moe