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Navitasan Posted 12 years ago
Grammar

Was able to

1-He was able to take care of himself.
2-He was able to repair the television.
3-He was able to paint his room.

Can't these mean two things:
a-He took care of himself/repaired the television/painted his room
b-He had the ability to do those things (maybe he did not do them)

Gratefully,
Navi.
  

Top answer

navitasan Can't these mean two things: Yes, they can. 'was / were able to', as opposed to 'could', can express both a 'general ability' or 'one time ability' in the past. "Could", in my opinion, is used only to talk about 'general abilities' in the past.

— Laborious

  • navitasan Can't these mean two things: Yes, they can.
  • 'was / were able to', as opposed to 'could', can express both a 'general ability' or 'one time ability' in the past.
  • "Could", in my opinion, is used only to talk about 'general abilities' in the past.
  • For instance, look at these examples, please.
  • - When the boat was about to sink, everyone (was able to / managed to ) get off it.
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1 Answers
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navitasanCan't these mean two things:
Yes, they can. 'was / were able to', as opposed to 'could', can express both a 'general ability' or 'one time ability' in the past. "Could", in my opinion, is used only to talk about 'general abilities' in the past.

For instance, look at these examples, please.

- When the boat was about to sink, every
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