Expressing ability (poder, saber)

Written by qualified Spanish expert Inma Sánchez BA

Last updated: 2018-06-07

Poder and saber can be used to express ability in Spanish. When used like these they are 'modal verbs'.

Using poder in the present perfect and the preterite for "could" in past actions
Using deber, poder, querer in Spanish + infinitive to express must, can, to want to (Verbo modal)
Using poder in the preterite vs the imperfect in Spanish (could in past actions)
Using poder to say could have [done something] in Spanish (modal verbs)
Using poder to say could [do something] for polite requests and suggestions in Spanish (El Condicional Simple)
Difference between Spanish verbs saber and conocer (to know)

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