By the age of six, she ___ read.
Your answer: Unanswered
Correct answer: could
Completed sentence: By the age of six, she could read. Can describes present ability; could often describes general past ability. For one successful past achievement, use was/were able to or managed to, though could is natural with perception verbs and in negatives. Use be able to after modals and in perfect forms.
Despite the jam, we ___ catch the last train. (one achievement)
Your answer: Unanswered
Correct answer: managed to
Completed sentence: Despite the jam, we managed to catch the last train. (one achievement) Can describes present ability; could often describes general past ability. For one successful past achievement, use was/were able to or managed to, though could is natural with perception verbs and in negatives. Use be able to after modals and in perfect forms.
I haven't ___ able to contact her.
Your answer: Unanswered
Correct answer: been
Completed sentence: I haven't been able to contact her. Can describes present ability; could often describes general past ability. For one successful past achievement, use was/were able to or managed to, though could is natural with perception verbs and in negatives. Use be able to after modals and in perfect forms.
He will be able ___ help.
Your answer: Unanswered
Correct answer: to
Completed sentence: He will be able to help. Can describes present ability; could often describes general past ability. For one successful past achievement, use was/were able to or managed to, though could is natural with perception verbs and in negatives. Use be able to after modals and in perfect forms.
We ___ hear anything because of the noise.
Your answer: Unanswered
Correct answer: couldn't
Completed sentence: We couldn't hear anything because of the noise. Can describes present ability; could often describes general past ability. For one successful past achievement, use was/were able to or managed to, though could is natural with perception verbs and in negatives. Use be able to after modals and in perfect forms.
