Explanation
Expresses the potential form; 'can', 'be able to', 'is possible'.
Formation
Verb (dictionary form) + ことができる
Detailed explanation
The る こと ができる grammar point is used to express the potential form of a verb, meaning the ability or possibility to do something. It can be translated as 'can', 'be able to', or 'is possible' in English. This grammar is often used with verbs ending in る, but can also apply to other verbs once they are in the dictionary form.
Examples
この問題を解くことができる？
Kono mondai o toku koto ga dekiru?
Can you solve this problem?
彼は泳ぐことができます。
Kare wa oyogu koto ga dekimasu.
He can swim.
日本に行くことができて、とても嬉しいです。
Nihon ni iku koto ga dekite, totemo ureshii desu.
I'm very happy that I can go to Japan.
彼女はピアノを弾くことができます。
Kanojo wa piano o hiku koto ga dekimasu.
She can play the piano.
Practice
Grammar content sourced from hanabira.org.