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"Be able to" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "poder", and "being able to" is a phrase which is also often translated as "poder". Learn more about the difference between "be able to" and "being able to" below.
be able to(
bi
ey
-
buhl
tu
)A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
a. poder
I am able to meet next Monday at nine in the morning. Is that convenient?Puedo reunirme el lunes que viene a las nueve de la mañana. ¿Le es conveniente?
b. ser capaz de
He was not able to walk after the accident.No era capaz de caminar después del accidente.
being able to(
bi
-
ihng
ey
-
buhl
tu
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
1. (general)
a. poder
Being able to support yourself is essential to feel truly independent.Poder ganarse la vida es algo esencial para sentirse realmente independiente.
b. ser capaz de
Not being able to lie was both a virtue and a disadvantage in her political career.No ser capaz de mentir era tanto una virtud como una desventaja en su carrera política.
