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Worksheets

Past Ability

Total questions: 12

Worksheet time: 6mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

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

a)

Was/Were Able to

b)

Managed to

c)

Could

d)

None of them

2.

We use ______ (= succeeded in doing something difficult)

When we talk about achieving something on a specific occasion.

a)

Was/Were Able to

b)

Managed to

c)

Could

d)

None of them

3.

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

a)

Could

b)

ale to

c)

managed to

d)

couldn't

4.

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

a)

could

b)

not managed to

c)

not able to

d)

managed to

5.

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

a)

able to

b)

could

c)

couldn't

d)

managed to

6.

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

a)

managed to

b)

couldn't

c)

could

d)

able to

7.

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

a)

managed to

b)

able to

c)

could

d)

none of them

8.

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

a)

could

b)

couldn't

c)

able to

d)

managed to

9.

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

a)

wan't able to

b)

didn't manage to

c)

couldn't

d)

managed to

10.

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

a)

wasn't able to

b)

didn't manage to

c)

couldn't

d)

were not able to

11.

What are the negative forms for: Could, Be able to, Managed to?

a)

wasn't/weren't able to

not manage

could.

b)

was/were able to

didn't manage

couldn't.

c)

wasn't/weren't able to

didn't manage

couldn't.

d)

wasn't/weren't able to

not manage to

couldn't.

12.

We use ______ (= had the ability to) When talking about achieving something on a specific occasion

a)

Was/Were Able to

b)

Managed to

c)

Could

d)

None of them