Ability & Permission

Which form do we use for general ability in the past?

• managed to

• could

• be able to

• was able to

Which form do we use for one successful action in the past?

• could

• can

• was able to

• might be able to

Which form do we use when someone succeeds after trying hard?

• managed to

• should be able to

• could

• will can

I (a)   speak Spanish when I was in primary school. (-)

She (a)   solve the puzzle after 10 minutes of trying. (+)

We (a)   book the tickets before the show started. (+)

You will (a)   submit the form online tomorrow. (+)

He (a)   answer the questions confidently during the interview. (+)

I have not (a)   focus well this week. (+)

They (a)   finish the task yesterday because the internet was down. (-)