Ability in the past

I _________ play the piano when I was younger.

• managed

• was able to

• could

• can

Answer explanation

COULD:

General ability in the past

I ____________ learn many new things last term.

• could

• was able to

• managed

• succeeded in

Answer explanation

WAS/WERE ABLE TO:

Specific ability in the past

He ________ finish his homework in time for the tennis lesson.

• succeeded in

• could

• was able to

• managed to

Answer explanation

MANAGED TO:

successfully achieve something in the past

She ________ passing her driving exam.

• succeeded in

• managed to

• could

• was able to

Answer explanation

SUCCEEDED IN + ING:

successfully achieve something in the past

I ______________ book that B&B for our holiday.

• couldn't

• wasn't able

• didn't manage to

• didn't succeed in

They ______ pronounce properly English words until years of practice.

• couldn't

• wasn't able to

• didn't manage

• weren't able to

Answer explanation

COULDN'T or WAS/WERENT'T ABLE TO:

There is no difference when talking about ability in the past in the negative form.