~ことができる (can do)

grammar

115 sentences

The pattern [verb-dictionary]+ことができる / ことができない, literally 'the act of X-ing is/isn't possible,' meaning 'can do X / cannot do X.' A periphrastic alternative to the inflectional potential form (~れる/~られる/~える); slightly more formal and explicit, often preferred in writing, technical contexts, or when explicitly contrasting ability and inability. Common variants: ~することができる (after a noun + する), ~ことはできない (with contrastive は for emphatic refusal).

115 sentences

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When Pac-Man meets a certain condition, he can turn the tables on the monsters chasing him and eat them.

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The children couldn't see the daisies dancing in the moonlight.

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Why can't I sing like they do?

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For example, chameleons can change the color of their skin to blend in with the surrounding trees and leaves.

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He managed to escape death once again.

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I was the only one who could answer that question correctly.

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He was able to escape prosecution because of a loophole in the law.

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She can't even write her own name.

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She can't control her emotions.

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Although she's a child, she can act with good judgment.

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Whenever she was in trouble, she could always call on her parents.

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She couldn't hold back her emotions.

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She speaks French and German, not to mention English.

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She couldn't overcome her fear of the dark.

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She had such a bad cold that she couldn't get out of bed.

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No matter how hard she tries, she probably won't be able to please him.

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It also teaches that for serious sins, you cannot receive forgiveness without confessing to a leader.

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Looks like we managed to catch up after a year's absence and pick up our old friendship.

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It was my first time seeing such a serious play, and I had a valuable experience.

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You can make up for the lost time by taking a plane instead of the train.

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Green plants can make their own food.

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You can't do without a good dictionary.

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He can do whatever he likes because he's wealthy.

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Thanks to a friend's kindness, I was able to get a job.

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He couldn't keep up with his friends, and eventually fell behind.

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The most important condition for a useful consultation is a quiet room where the doctor and parent can relax and sit together undisturbed by others.

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Though I was sleepy, I managed to finish my homework.

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No one can know what's going to happen in the future.

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By reading books and discussing thoughts, we can learn to bear wisdom and differing ideas.

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Books can now be obtained by anyone.