47477 could or be able to

WAS / WERE ABLE TO vs. COULD
WAS / WERE ABLE TO - to manage to do something in one particular situation
COULD – had the general ability to do something (state)
The negative COULDN’T is possible in both situations
Remember! verbs : SEE, HEAR, FEEL, UNDERSTAND, REMEMBER, TASTE - always go with COULD

Complete the sentences with was/were able to or could
1. My grandpa was very clever. He ___________________ speak five languages.
2. The fire spread quickly, but everyone ___________________ escape.
3. He hurt his leg, so he ___________________(not walk) very well.
4. She wasn’t at home when I called but I ___________________ contact her at her office.
5. My grandmother loved music. She ___________________ play the piano very well.
6. They boy fell into the river, but fortunately we ___________________ rescue him.
7. I ___________________ swim when I was 4.
8. He tried very hard but he ___________________ swim back to the boat .
9. We ___________________ put out the fire before much damage was done.
10. My daughter ___________________ walk when she was only 11 months old.
11. I ___________________ finish all the work you wanted me to do yesterday.
12. You were talking quite loudly. I ___________________ hear you.
13. How was the test? Easy, all the students ___________________ pass it.
14. He ___________________ repair the car but it took him a lot of time.
15. We wanted to go to the opera but we ___________________ get tickets.
16. Fortunately, I ___________________ get his address from his office.
17. I don’t know how the cat ___________________ get through the window, but he did.
18. After the accident she somehow ___________________ walk home.
19. After several hours fire fighters ___________________ put out the fire.
20. Jan gave me a lift home so I ___________________ stay at the party till late.
21. he had a motorbike accident at the age of 18 and after that he ___________________ walk.
22. I ___________________ sleep very well for the last four nights. It has been too hot.
23. Jonathan ___________________( not say )anything until he was about three years old.
24. I ___________________ play tennis really well a few years ago, but not anymore.

25. 'When I was a child, I ___________________ see much better, but now I wear glasses.