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"Be able to" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "poder", and "should" is an auxiliary verb which is often translated as "deber". Learn more about the difference between "be able to" and "should" 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.).
transitive verb phrase
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.
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should(
shood
)
An auxiliary verb, or helper verb, is a conjugated verb that comes before a main verb and determines the main verb's tense, mood, or aspect (e.g., I have gone.).
auxiliary verb
a. deber
I should go to bed early tonight to be ready to travel tomorrow morning.Debería acostarme temprano esta noche para estar listo para el viaje mañana.
b. tener que
I should have given my parents a call over the weekend.Tenía que haber llamado a mis padres el fin de semana.
a. deber
Where is Simon? He should have finished his homework by now.¿Dónde está Simón? Ya debería haber terminado sus deberes.
a. si
Should any question arise, don't hesitate to contact me.Si surgiera alguna pregunta, no dudes en ponerte en contacto conmigo.
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