Spanish Phrase
Se pueden volver a hacer algunos exámenes.
Meaning
The sentence states that certain exams are allowed to be taken again, usually after a failure or a specific period. It uses an impersonal ‘se’ construction to focus on the possibility rather than who can retake them.
When to use
Use this phrase when informing students or colleagues that they have the option to retake some exams, such as in university announcements, classroom discussions, or informal conversations about academic policies.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Sepuedenvolverahaceralgunosexámenes
Impersonal/Passive Se
‘Se’ is used to create an impersonal construction, indicating that something is possible without specifying a subject.
Poder + infinitive
‘Pueden’ (they can) expresses ability or permission for the action that follows.
Volver a + infinitive
The structure ‘volver a’ + infinitive means ‘to do again’ or ‘to retake’.
Hacer (to do/make)
In the context of exams, ‘hacer’ means ‘to take’ an exam.
Algunos (some)
Indicates an indefinite, but limited, quantity.
Exámenes (exams)
Plural noun; remember the accent on the ‘e’.
🗨In Conversation
¿Podremos volver a presentar el examen de matemáticas?
Will we be able to retake the math exam?
Sí, se pueden volver a hacer algunos exámenes.
Yes, some exams can be retaken.
✕Common Mistakes
Se pueden volver a hacer algunos examen.
The noun must agree in number with ‘algunos’; use the plural ‘exámenes’.
Pueden volver a hacer algunos exámenes.
Omitting ‘Se’ changes the construction from impersonal to a specific subject, which can sound less natural in announcements.
Se pueden ir a hacer algunos exámenes.
Do not translate literally as ‘to go back to do’; it means ‘to do again’. Using ‘ir a hacer’ would be incorrect.
↔Alternatives
Algunos exámenes pueden ser reprogramados.
Some exams can be rescheduled.
Se permite rehacer algunos exámenes.
It is allowed to redo some exams.
Se pueden repetir algunos exámenes.
Some exams can be repeated.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking universities the policy for retaking exams varies by faculty. The phrase ‘volver a hacer’ is common in everyday speech, while more formal documents may prefer ‘repetir’ or ‘presentar de nuevo’. Also note that in some regions ‘examen’ is replaced by ‘prueba’ in informal contexts.