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"Being able to" is a phrase which is often translated as "poder", and "be able to" is a transitive verb phrase which is also often translated as "poder". Learn more about the difference between "being able to" and "be able to" below.
being able to(
bi
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ihng
 
ey
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buhl
 
tu
)
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
phrase
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.
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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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