WAS / WERE ABLE TO vs COULD WAS / WERE ABLE TO - to manage to something in one particular situation COULD – had the general ability to 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 My grandpa was very clever He _ speak five languages The fire spread quickly, but everyone _ escape He hurt his leg, so he _(not walk) very well She wasn’t at home when I called but I _ contact her at her office My grandmother loved music She _ play the piano very well They boy fell into the river, but fortunately we _ rescue him I _ swim when I was He tried very hard but he _ swim back to the boat 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 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