Past Abilities and Opportunities

We usually use ______ to talk about general abilities in the past.

• Was/Were Able to

• Managed to

• Could

• None of them

We use ______ (= succeeded in doing something difficult)

When we talk about achieving something on a specific occasion.

• Was/Were Able to

• Managed to

• Could

• None of them

We were _____ leave our suitcases with reception while we waited for our room to be ready.

• Could

• able to

• managed to

• couldn't

We were _____ get a boat from the island that day because of the bad weather.

• could

• not managed to

• not able to

• managed to

I can't believe you _____ get us a table at the restaurant. It's always full!

• able to

• could

• couldn't

• managed to

I _____ afford to buy a car so I borrowed money from the bank.

• managed to

• couldn't

• could

• able to

Luckily, I _____ get to the airport on time, despite the traffic.

• managed to

• able to

• could

• none of them

When I first moved to Argentina I _____ only speak a few words of Spanish.

• could

• couldn't

• able to

• managed to

He _____ swim until he had lessons when he was 20 years old.

• wan't able to

• didn't manage to

• couldn't

• managed to

I _____ touch my toes until I started doing yoga and became more flexible.

• wasn't able to

• didn't manage to

• couldn't

• were not able to