were able to, could, managed to

The door was stuck, but after several attempts, we ​ (a)   open it.

• managed to
• could
• succeeded in

She tried calling several times, but she ​ (a)   get through.

• wasn’t able to
• managed to
• could 

Answer explanation

✅ Explanation: "Wasn’t able to" is used when someone attempts something but fails. "Could" is incorrect because it's used more generally, not for a specific instance of failure.

Despite the bad weather, the hikers ​ (a)   reach the top of the mountain.

• managed to
• weren't able to
• could

Answer explanation

Explanation: The sentence implies difficulty due to bad weather, so "managed to" is the best choice. "Could" sounds too general, and "weren’t able to" would mean they failed.

He spoke so quietly that I ​ (a)   hear him.

• couldn’t
• didn't manage to
• was able to

Answer explanation

✅ Explanation: "Couldn't" is the natural choice for inability in the past. "Didn’t manage to" is not wrong but is more commonly used for actions requiring effort.

After hours of searching, they finally ​ (a)   find their lost dog.

• were able to
• could
• was able to

Answer explanation

✅ Explanation: "Were able to" is used when talking about a specific success in the past. "Could" is more for general abilities, and "wasn’t able to" contradicts the meaning of "finally find."

The musician practiced for years before he ​ (a)   performing at the concert hall.

• succeeded in
• could
• didn't manage

Answer explanation

✅ Explanation: "Succeeded in" is used when talking about finally achieving something after effort. "Could" is too general, and "didn’t manage to" suggests failure.

We missed the train, but we ​ (a)   catch the next one.

• managed to
• weren't able to
• could

Answer explanation

✅ Explanation: "Managed to" implies that, despite the initial problem, they successfully did something. "Weren’t able to" would mean they failed.

The exam was so difficult that many students ​ (a)   pass it.

• couldn’t
• were able to
• managed to

Answer explanation

✅ Explanation: "Couldn't" is the best choice for a general past inability. "Succeeded in" would mean they passed, which contradicts the sentence.

She was very nervous before the speech, but she​ (a)   deliver it confidently.

• managed to
• could to
• weren't able to

Answer explanation

✅ Explanation: "Managed to" is used when someone overcomes difficulty to complete an action. "Weren’t able to" suggests failure, which contradicts "confidently."

The mechanic worked hard, but he ​ (a)   fix the car. (a)

• didn’t manage to
• managed to
• was able to

Answer explanation

✅ Explanation: "Didn’t manage to" is used when someone tries but fails at something. "Managed to" contradicts the meaning, and "was able to" would mean success.