Interesting approach to "be able to".

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EtoCos
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Interesting approach to "be able to".

Post by EtoCos »

Hi guys,

So my issue stems from a short comic drawn and written by one of my pupils.
In one of the panels the main character says: "I am not able to be defeated."

When I read this line I couldn't help but read it over a few times.
Anyways, I digress.

Is it grammatically a correct sentence?
As far as I know one uses "be able to" in order to put the focus on himself/herself (which abilities/showing your (in)competence) however here the person suggests someone else is not able to do something.


Hopefully the question is clear to you. :)
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Joe
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Re: Interesting approach to "be able to".

Post by Joe »

EtoCos wrote: Wed Feb 03, 2021 2:30 pm Hi guys,

So my issue stems from a short comic drawn and written by ome my pupils.
In one the panels the main character says: "I am not able to be defeated."

When I read this line I couldn't help but read it over a few times.
Anyways, I digress.

Is it grammatically a correct sentence?
As far as I know one uses "be able to" in order to put the focus on himself/herself (which abilities/showing your (in)competence) however here the person suggests someone else is not able to do something.


Hopefully the question is clear to you. :)
Indeed, you digress {-:

I cannot be defeated
Nobody can defeat me
Nobody is able to defeat me

Idiomatic English

‘Nuff said
"We are not wholly bad or good, who live our lives under Milk Wood :-| " — Dylan Thomas, Under Milk Wood

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EtoCos
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Status: Teacher of English

Re: Interesting approach to "be able to".

Post by EtoCos »

Thank you for the short, yet effective explanation, Joe!
It's crystal clear to me now!
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Joe
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Re: Interesting approach to "be able to".

Post by Joe »

EtoCos wrote: Wed Feb 03, 2021 2:54 pm Thank you for the short, yet effective explanation, Joe!
It's crystal clear to me now!
:twisted:
"We are not wholly bad or good, who live our lives under Milk Wood :-| " — Dylan Thomas, Under Milk Wood

eBooks: English Prepositions List | Essential Business Words | Learn English in Seven
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