Es posible terminar la tarea si estudias con calma.

It is possible to finish the homework if you study calmly.

Breakdown of Es posible terminar la tarea si estudias con calma.

• ser: to be
• tú: you
• la tarea: the homework
• si: if
• terminar: to finish
• estudiar: to study
• posible: possible
• con calma: calmly

Questions & Answers about Es posible terminar la tarea si estudias con calma.

Why is the infinitive form terminar used after es posible instead of a conjugated verb?

In Spanish, when expressing a possibility with adjectives like posible, it’s common to follow with an infinitive that expresses a general action. The structure "es posible terminar..." indicates that finishing the task is a feasible action in a general sense without referring to a specific subject performing it.

What does con calma mean in this sentence?

Con calma means "calmly" or "at a relaxed pace." It implies that if you study without rushing or stressing, you increase your chances of finishing the task. It suggests a steady, unhurried approach.

Why is the verb estudias in the si clause in the present indicative instead of the subjunctive?

In Spanish conditional sentences that refer to realistic or likely situations, the present indicative is used in the si clause. Since the sentence assumes that studying calmly is a real possibility rather than a hypothetical or unlikely scenario, estudias remains in the present indicative.

Why is the construction es posible + infinitive used instead of directly addressing the subject with something like puedes?

The construction es posible + infinitive creates an impersonal statement that emphasizes the general possibility of the action. It suggests that under the right conditions, finishing the task is achievable. On the other hand, using puedes would directly address the listener’s ability, which gives the sentence a more instructive or imperative tone.

Is there a specific reason for using the definite article la before tarea?

Yes, in Spanish, the definite article la is used when referring to a specific task or homework that is understood in context. La tarea indicates that the speaker and listener are both aware of which task is being discussed, making the sentence precise and contextually grounded.