Write sentences about yourself using the ideas in brackets.

1. (something you used to be able to do) I used to be able to sing well.

2. (something you used to be able to do) I used ---

3. (something you would like to be able to do) I'd ---

4. (something you have never been able to do) I've ---

 

26.3 Complete the sentences with can/can't/could/couldn't + one of these verbs:

come cat hear run sleep wait

1. I'm afraid I _can't come_ to your party next week.

2. When Tim was 16, he was a fast runner. He --- 100 meters in 11 seconds.

3. Are you in a hurry?' 'No, I've got plenty of time. I ---.'

4. I was feeling sick yesterday. I --- anything.

5. Can you speak up a bit? I --- you very well.

6. 'You look tired.' 'Yes, I --- last night,'

 

Complete the answers to the questions with was/were able to.

1 A: Did everybody escape from the fire?

B: Yes. Although the fire spread quickly, everybody _was able to escape._

2 A: Did you have difficulty finding Ann's house?

B: Not really. Ann had given us good directions and we ---

3. A: Did you finish your work this afternoon?

B: Yes. There was nobody to disturb me, so ---

4. A: Did the thief get away?

B: Yes. No one realised what was happening and the thief ---

 

Complete the sentences using could, couldn't or was/were able to.

1. My grandfather was a very clever man. He _could_ speak five languages.

2. I looked everywhere for the book but I _couldn't_ find it.

3. They didn't want to come with us at first but we _were able to_ persuade them.

4. Laura had hurt her leg and --- walk very well.

5. Sue wasn't at home when I phoned but I --- contact her at her office.

6. I looked very carefully and I --- see a figure in the distance.

7. I wanted to buy some tomatoes. The first shop I went to didn't have any but I --- get some in the next shop.

8. My grandmother loved music. She --- play the piano very well.

9. A girl fell into the river but fortunately we --- rescue her.

10. I had forgotten to bring my camera so I --- take any photographs.