Could or Be Able To? Use Could If It Fits: Multiple Choice

Use could when it's possible; choose be able to only when could isn't possible. Read each situation, then choose the answer that completes the sentence. Your first choice counts.

1. When the fire alarm went off, everyone in the hotel _____ safely.

2. Our car broke down on the motorway, but a mechanic _____ it at the side of the road.

3. When I was six, I _____ quite well, but my little brother was still scared of the water.

4. Lucia broke her leg in March, but luckily the doctor says she _____ tennis again by July.

5. Yesterday's driving test was really hard, but I _____ it at the first attempt.

6. Last night the lid of the jam jar was stuck. I tried for ages, but I _____ it, so I asked my neighbour.

7. In those days my grandfather _____ four languages, but now he only remembers a few words of each.

8. My uncle _____ long sums in his head faster than a calculator, so I always asked him for help with my maths homework.

9. On Monday the festival tickets were almost gone by lunchtime. Luckily, my sister and I _____ two.

10. Since the new bus route opened in May, Grandma _____ to the market on her own.

11. When I was at school, our team was losing 2–0 at half-time in the cup final, but in the second half we _____ three goals and win.

12. A: Did you find somewhere to park for the match last Sunday? B: Yes, luckily we _____ a space right outside the stadium.

13. My mum _____ the violin beautifully when she was younger, even though she never had lessons.

14. I hate not _____ my bike myself. I always have to pay someone at the shop.

15. At primary school, Ravi _____ music better than anyone else in the choir, so he always sang the solos.

16. Before she hurt her back, my aunt _____ really fast, but these days she only goes for short walks.

17. My grandmother _____ perfect cakes without a recipe, and the whole family came round every Sunday.

18. Kai is taking evening classes because he wants _____ with his wife's family in Portuguese.

19. I got to the baker's early this morning, but they had sold all the bread, so I _____ any for lunch.

20. When I was nine, I got lost at a huge outdoor market, but after ten minutes I _____ my way back to my parents.