Interesting approach to "be able to".

Members help members on grammar, vocab, pronunciation...

Moderator: EC

Post Reply
EtoCos
Member
Posts: 2
Joined: Wed Feb 03, 2021 2:24 pm
Status: Teacher of English

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. :)
User avatar
Josef Essberger
Admin/Teacher
Admin/Teacher
Posts: 1798
Joined: Thu Dec 18, 2003 6:56 am
Status: Teacher of English
Location: England

Re: Interesting approach to "be able to".

Post by Josef Essberger »

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
English Prepositions List by Josef Essberger
Extremely useful ebook full of examples and visual aids to learn prepositions :ok: Inés Barbero
EtoCos
Member
Posts: 2
Joined: Wed Feb 03, 2021 2:24 pm
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!
User avatar
Josef Essberger
Admin/Teacher
Admin/Teacher
Posts: 1798
Joined: Thu Dec 18, 2003 6:56 am
Status: Teacher of English
Location: England

Re: Interesting approach to "be able to".

Post by Josef Essberger »

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:
English Prepositions List by Josef Essberger
Extremely useful ebook full of examples and visual aids to learn prepositions :ok: Inés Barbero
Post Reply