PAST ABILITIES

could
be able to
managed to
could
Used to talk about general skills or
abilities in the past

Examples:
When I first started my career, I could work long
hours without a break.
My grandpa could speak five languages, but now he
can remember only a few words.
was/were able to
Used to talk about specific achievements.

Examples:
Jack was a little bit dizzy, but he was able to go on
the journey.
Cathy wasn’t able to get here on time because of the
accident on the highway.
managed to
Used to talk about specific achievements
that were difficult.

Examples:
The sea was rough but we managed to swim to safety.
How did they manage to find a suitable candidate for
the position in such short time?
When we are talking about the lack of
ability on a specific occasion in the past,
we can use all three expressions.
Examples:
We tried hard but couldn’t persuade
them to come with us
I looked everywhere for the car key but
wasn’t able to find it.
However, with verbs that refer to
the five senses: see, hear, smell,
feel, taste, and with verbs that refer
to thought processes: understand,
believe, remember, decide, we
normally use could, even when we
are talking about specific occasion.
 For examples:
- He was standing very close to me and I
could smell the garlic on his breath.
- He asked me when Julie’s birthday was,
but I couldn’t remember.
- I couldn’t decide whether to ask him for
a a lift or not.
- I could see that he had been running.
Fill in the blank with either “could”, “was/were able to”,
or “managed to” (or their negative forms). In some
cases, more than one answer is possible.
1. Ten years ago, people … smoke right outside the
building. Now there are smoking areas inside.
2. When I was young, I … do handstands.
3. I have no idea how they … find a better spot than
what we offered them.
4. It was only after hours of driving that we
…reached our destination.
5. Unfortunately, we … meet the
deadline. We needed an extra day.
6. I delegated that task to Mike. I told
him I was having some difficulties with
it, and he told me that he would …
handle it.
7. Even though I woke up half an hour
late, I … get to work on time.
8. Unfortunately, I woke up half an hour
late and I … get to work on time.
9. James … understand a word you said,
you spoke too quickly.
10.Carla quit without giving notice. It was
difficult for us and we … handle
everything well.
1. Ten years ago, people ________ smoke right outside the building. Now
they have to leave the business park.
2. When I was in college, I met a guy who ________ speak seven
languages.
3. I have no idea how they ________ find a better deal than what we offered
them.
4. _________ to find a caterer for the event next week?
5. Unfortunately, we ________ meet the deadline. We needed an extra day.
6. I delegated that task to Mike. I told him I was having some difficulties with
it, and he told me that he ________ handle it.
7. Even though I woke up a half an hour late, I _________ get to work on time.
8. Unfortunately, I woke up half an hour late and I __________ get to work on
time.
9. When our company had only 25 employees we _________ have meetings
with the entire company. Now it’s much more difficult and requires more planning.
10. I have no idea how we ________ get a reservation for tonight on such short
notice.