Instructions. Choose the correct form for each sentence. In some cases, both forms may be correct.
Explanation
Affirmative Sentences and Questions 1. Both could and was/were able to can be used when talking about abilities or skills that existed during an extended period of time. In such cases, there is no difference in meaning between could and was/were able to.
When Russell was in high school, he was on the high school track team. a. He could run the 800 meter race very well b. He was able to run the 800 meter race very well. Both a. and b. have the same meaning.
c. Was Russell able to run the 800 meter race well? d. Could Russell run the 800 meter race well? Both c. and d. have the same meaning.
2. When talking about actions or abilities that were repeated, both could and was/were able to can be used e. When we were staying at the hotel on the beach, we were able to see the sun rise every morning. f. When we were staying at the hotel on the beach, we could see the sun rise every morning. Both e. and f. have the same meaning.
3. Use only was/were able to in affirmative sentences and questions when talking about actions or abilities that occurred only one time in the past.
Darryl's car had a flat tire yesterday, so he took the bus to work. g. He was able to fix the tire when he got home from work. h. Incorrect-->He could fix the tire when he got home from work. i. Was Darryl able to fix the flat tire when he got home?
Negative Sentences Both could and was/were able to can be used in negative sentences of types 1-3 above. There is no change in meaning.
j. He couldn't run the 800 meter race very well. k. He wasn't able to run the 800 meter race very well. l. When we were staying at the hotel on the beach, we were not able to see the sun rise every morning. m. When we were staying at the hotel on the beach, we could not see the sun rise every morning. n. Darryl wasn't able to drive his car yesterday. o. Darryl couldn't drive his car yesterday.
I ________ find the papers I had misplaced yesterday.
could
was able to
Both A and B
They _______________ get in the laboratory because the door was locked.
couldn't
weren't able to
Both A and B
You said you were going to talk to Professor Walker yesterday. __________________ talk to him?
Could you
Were you able to
Both A and B
No, I ______________talk to Professor Walker. He wasn't in his office.
couldn't
wasn't able to
Both A and B
When you went to the mall, _______________find the jacket you were looking for?
could you
were you able to
Both A and B
I went to Dillard's, J.C. Penney's, and Foley's, and I still ___________to find the color and size I was looking for.
couldn't
wasn't able to
Both A and B
Last year the company ____________sell more products over the Internet than in stores.
was able to
could
Both A and B
___________ see the pyramids when you were in Mexico City last summer?
Were you able to
Could you
Both A and B
The workers ______________ make repairs on the road last weekend.
could
were able to
Both A and B
We ________________ buy a house until we had saved enough money for a down payment. It was a long wait but it was worth it.
weren't able to
couldn't
Both A and B
When I had a lot of money, I _________________ go shopping every day.
could
was able to
Both A and B
When you worked at the restaurant, ________________ get free meals?