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Grammar Point
expressions (phrases, clauses, etc.)
exp 
Ichidan verb
v1 
word usually written using kana alone
uk 
A Keyphrase should be a short phrase that brings to mind and helps to remember the information on this frame.
ことが出来ることができる

to be able (to), to be possible (to)

usu. verb+ことが...

Verb Dictionary Form + ことが出来る

This grammar structure is used to express ability or possibility. It literally means 'the thing (of doing something) is possible'. It is used to state that someone has the skill to do something or that circumstances allow for an action to occur.

To express that an action is possible, take the dictionary form (plain form) of any verb and add ことが出来る. This turns the verb into a noun phrase that can then be described as 'possible'.

I can speak Japanese.

I can swim.

You can buy tickets here.

Note

In casual conversation, the particle が is often omitted, and 出来る is frequently written in hiragana as できる. This structure is more formal than the potential form of verbs. To make it negative, change 出来る to 出来ない or 出来ません. To make it past tense, change it to 出来た or 出来ました.

Words: 
ことが出来ることができる
事ができることができる
事が出来ることができる
Radicals of radicals