〜得る（うる）／得ない（えない）: meaning and usage

How to form it

• verb (masu-stem)+得る
• verb (masu-stem)+得ない
• verb (masu-stem)+得た/得ます

How it is used

Says something is possible in principle (「起こり得る」, 「あり得ない」), not that a person is able to do it; for ability, use the potential form. The dictionary form is read 「うる」 or 「える」, other forms 「え」. Formal in tone.

Examples

1. これらのガスは地球温暖化をもたらし得る。

   These gases can lead to global warming.

2. 地震はいつでも起こり得るので、準備が必要だ。

   Earthquakes can happen at any time, so you need to be prepared.

3. あの真面目な彼が約束を忘れるなんて、あり得ない。

   There's no way someone as conscientious as him would forget a promise.