What it means
ことができる expresses that someone can do something or is able to do something. It follows the dictionary form of a verb and is useful for stating ability, possibility, or permission in a clear and neutral way. The subject is often omitted when it is understood from context.
Usage note
ことができる follows a verb in its dictionary form, not the ます-stem. Its polite sentence-ending counterpart is ことができます; this changes the register while keeping the same meaning.
How to use it
私は漢字を読むことができます。
I can read kanji.
私は漢字を読むことができる。
I can read kanji.
