We use could to talk about a general ability we had in the past. We use was/were able to to talk about an ability we had at a specific event in the past.
‘I could fly like a bird.’
‘I got angry and I was able to lift the car and throw it.’
’I was able to attract Batman with my cat-like eyes.’
We use could to talk about a general ability somebody had in the past.
• Superman could fly like a bird.
• He could speak German very well.
We use was/were able to to talk about an ability somebody had at a specific event in the past.
• The Incredible Hulk was able to lift the car and throw it during the fight with Godzilla.
• He was able to practice his German while we were in Berlin.
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Remember: Could is general. Was able to is specific.
Use could, couldn’t or was/were able to to complete each sentence.
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Remember: Could is general. Was able to is specific.
Use could, couldn’t or was/were able to to complete each sentence.
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Question 1 of 7
1. Question
My grandfather, who died last year, ___ play the guitar very well.- My grandfather, who died last year, (could) play the guitar very well.
Correct
My grandfather, who died last year, could play the guitar very well.
Incorrect
My grandfather, who died last year, could play the guitar very well.
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Question 2 of 7
2. Question
When I was younger I was useless at sport. I ___ throw or kick anything.- When I was younger I was useless at sport. I (couldn’t) throw or kick anything.
Correct
When I was younger I was useless at sport. I couldn’t throw or kick anything.
Incorrect
When I was younger I was useless at sport. I couldn’t throw or kick anything.
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Question 3 of 7
3. Question
Your directions were very good so we ___ find the place without any problems.- Your directions were very good so we (were able to) find the place without any problems.
Correct
Your directions were very good so we were able to find the place without any problems.
Incorrect
Your directions were very good so we were able to find the place without any problems.
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Question 4 of 7
4. Question
There was nobody to disturb me so I ___ finish it quickly.- There was nobody to disturb me so I (was able to) finish it quickly.
Correct
There was nobody to disturb me so I was able to finish it quickly.
Incorrect
There was nobody to disturb me so I was able to finish it quickly.
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Question 5 of 7
5. Question
When she was 15, she ___ run the 100 metres in only 11.25 seconds.- When she was 15, she (could) run the 100 metres in only 11.25 seconds.
Correct
When she was 15, she could run the 100 metres in only 11.25 seconds.
Could because we are talking about the whole time when she was 15 years old not a specific race.Incorrect
When she was 15, she could run the 100 metres in only 11.25 seconds.
Could because we are talking about the whole time when she was 15 years old not a specific race. -
Question 6 of 7
6. Question
Before he got married my brother travelled a lot so, he ___ speak three languages.- Before he got married my brother travelled a lot so, he (could) speak three languages.
Correct
Before he got married my brother travelled a lot so, he could speak three languages.
Incorrect
Before he got married my brother travelled a lot so, he could speak three languages.
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Question 7 of 7
7. Question
Nobody understood what was happening so, the thief ___ escape.- Nobody understood what was happening so, the thief (was able to) escape.
Correct
Nobody understood what was happening so, the thief was able to escape.
Incorrect
Nobody understood what was happening so, the thief was able to escape.
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Remember: Could is general. Was able to is specific.
Sorry that I wasn’t able to come last week. I had a problem parking.
