could have done =were able to?

Question

With her kind help, we ____ the task in time. We should thank her.A. could have done    B.were able toCan both of the above options be used to fill in the blank? Are there any differences? Thanks.

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

With her kind help, we __ the task in time. We should thank her.

A. could have done This means we didn't actually have her help, and we didn't do the task in time.

(So, there was no need to thank her.)

B.were able to This normally means we did the task in time.

Can both of the above options be used to fill in the blank? Are there any differences?

Best wishes, Clive

CalifJim · Answer

I assume you transcribed B incorrectly and that it should be

B. were able to do

Under those circumstances, B is the correct answer.
_______

1. If you could have done something, it means you did not do it. A possibility for performing some action existed in the past, but the action was not actually performed.

2. If you were able to do something, it means that you succeeded in doing it. The action was actually performed.

In the first case above, there is no reason to thank anyone. No action was performed.
In the second case above, the act of thanking someone makes sense. An action was performed.

CJ

Wangqh2696122 · Answer

I see! Thank you for your wonderful explanation!

could have done =were able to?

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