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Mjeeem Posted 13 years ago
Grammar
could? was able to?
I learned that 'could' is used for general ability, to say that somebody was able to do something at any time, whenever he/she wanted.
Also, I learned that 'could' is not normally used to say that somebody did something on one occasion and was/were able to are used instead.
But I learned these through the book that teaches British English.
Is this rule also used in America?
Also, I learned that 'could' is not normally used to say that somebody did something on one occasion and was/were able to are used instead.
But I learned these through the book that teaches British English.
Is this rule also used in America?
Top answer
Yes, it is the same.
- Yes, it is the same.
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4 Answers
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Just a note of caution with the use of "Can vs be able to" and "could vs was able to".
If I said: I was able to get the computer booted up despite previous failed attempts by other coworkers. The connotation of this sentence implies some ways, some how, either by luck or by know-how, I managed to get the computer to work. It doesn't indicate that I have the ability or the knowledg
If I said: I was able to get the computer booted up despite previous failed attempts by other coworkers. The connotation of this sentence implies some ways, some how, either by luck or by know-how, I managed to get the computer to work. It doesn't indicate that I have the ability or the knowledg
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If we replace the underlined with " could", the sentence doesn't have the same semantics.I am having a party at my house.
I don't know these sentences. Then when the underlined is replaced with 'could', what meaning does the sentence have?
Also I totally didn't understand the last example:
Everyone at the office is coming. Can you / are you able to make it? Yes, in this context, they
I don't know these sentences. Then when the underlined is replaced with 'could', what meaning does the sentence have?
Also I totally didn't understand the last example:
Everyone at the office is coming. Can you / are you able to make it? Yes, in this context, they
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It is getting too confusing.
If you replace 'was able to' with 'could', it is just as your original rule says: 'could' is not normally used to say that somebody did something on one occasion and 'was/were able to' are used instead.
Another source of confusion is the omission of a word:
If you replace 'was able to' with 'could', it is just as your original rule says: 'could' is not normally used to say that somebody did something on one occasion and 'was/were able to' are used instead.
Another source of confusion is the omission of a word:
mjeeemYes, in this context, they have <same>the meaning.
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