Solutions for App 398

Could and Was/Were able to (1)

Let's practise using "could" and "were able to"!

"Could" and "was/were able to" are both used to talk about ability or what was possible in the past. For example: He was able to take the bus yesterday.

Could is also used for polite requests and to ask permission. For example: Could you please close the door? OR Could I open a window?

Be careful: Use "was able to" for I and he/she/it but use "were able to" for you, we and they.

Questions: Put "was" or "were" or "could" at the beginning of the sentence followed by the person. For example: Were you able to win the prize?

Negations: Form them by using "wasn't/ was not" or "weren't/were not" or "couldn't/could not". For example: I wasn't able to come.

______ you please ring Claudia?

Solution:
Could

Sheila is very busy at work, but she ______ able to visit me last week.

Solution:
was

______ I ring you later to talk about our homework?

Solution:
Could

They ______ able to understand her despite not speaking the same language.

Solution:
were

I ______ ride a bike when I was three.

Solution:
could

Sorry, but we __________ able to come to your meeting yesterday.

Solution:
weren't

______ they able to climb to the top of the mountain?

Solution:
Were

______ you please let June know that I will be late?

Solution:
Could

I ______ believe my eyes when I saw it! Really amazing!

Solution:
couldn't

______ you able to finish the essay last week?

Solution:
Were

They were ______ talk about everything without being interrupted.

Solution:
able to

______ I join you, please?

Solution:
Could

Unfortunately, I __________ able to attend class yesterday.

Solution:
wasn't

I ______ ask Lisa for help with this task.

Solution:
could