Question

Fill in the blanks with either “could,” “was/were able to” or “managed to” (or their negative forms). In some cases, more than one answer is possible.
1. Ten years ago, people ________ smoke right outside the building. Now they have to leave the business park.

2. When I was in college, I met a guy who ________ speak seven languages.

3. I have no idea how they ________ find a better deal than what we offered them.

4. _________ to find a caterer for the event next week?

5. Unfortunately, we ________ meet the deadline. We needed an extra day.

6. I delegated that task to Mike. I told him I was having some difficulties with it, and he told me that he ________ handle it.

7. Even though I woke up a half an hour late, I _________ get to work on time.

8. Unfortunately, I woke up half an hour late and I __________ get to work on time.

9. When our company had only 25 employees we _________ have meetings with the entire company. Now it’s much more difficult and requires more planning.

10. I have no idea how we ________ get a reservation for tonight on such short notice.

Answer 1

1. Were able to
2. Was able to
3. Could
4.Manage to?
5. Weren’t able
6. Could
7.could
8. Couldn’t