pouvoir, le pouvoir
A semi-auxiliary verb is used before another verb to express tense, mood, aspect, etc. (e.g., Je vais manger.).
semi-auxiliary verb
a. to be able
Elise peut contribuer à ce projet.Elise is able to contribute to this project.
b. can
Tu peux parler chinois, mais moi non.You can speak Chinese, but not me.
c. could
Si Thomas pouvait conduire, il vous emmènerait au magasin.If Thomas could drive, he'd take you to the store.
d. may
Le patron peut augmenter les salaires lorsque c'est justifié.The boss may raise salaries when it's warranted.
e. to be allowed
Les spectateurs peuvent entrer dans le stade une heure avant le début du match.The spectators are allowed to enter the stadium an hour before the match.
a. can
On peut faire du shopping ce week-end ?Can we go shopping this weekend?
b. could
Nous pourrions déjeuner ensemble demain, si tu es libre.We could have lunch tomorrow if you're free.
c. may
Guy pourrait commencer l'école culinaire à l'automne prochain.Guy may start culinary school next fall.
d. might
Nos amis pourraient aller à Paris en avril.Our friends might go to Paris in April.
An impersonal verb is a verb with no apparent subject (e.g., Il pleut en avril.).
impersonal verb
a. can (modal verb)
Les chances de gagner à la loterie sont faibles, mais ça peut arriver.The chances of winning the lottery are low, but it can happen.
b. could (modal verb)
Cette facture est trop élevée. Il peut y avoir une erreur.This bill is too high. There could be an error.
c. may (modal verb)
Il pourrait neiger ce soir.It may snow tonight.
d. might (modal verb)
J'ai peur de voyager seule. Il pourrait m'arriver quelque chose.I'm afraid of traveling alone. Something might happen to me.
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., l’homme, le soleil).
masculine noun
a. power
Les étoiles de mer ont le pouvoir de faire repousser un membre perdu.Starfish have the power to regrow a lost limb.
a. power
Le pouvoir de ce monsieur découle de ses années d'expérience.That man's power stems from his years of experience.
a. power
Les réseaux sociaux ont un grand pouvoir sur mon amie Suzie.Social media has a strong power over my friend Suzie.
a. power
Les personnes au pouvoir prendront ces décisions difficiles.The people in power will make these difficult decisions.
b. government
Selon le pouvoir, l'économie fonctionne bien.According to the government, the economy is doing well.
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