Man of Steel
SB p. 79
COULD vs. WAS/WERE ABLE TO
USAGE
USAGE
- could can be used to refer in general that someone has a skill.
e.g. At that time I could still read without spectacles.
In that sentence, could could be replaced by was able to?
Would there be any difference in meaning ? - When could is used with words such as hear, see, understand, etc., it means that someone can do something specific.
e.g. I could hear the phone ringing.
In that sentence, could could be replaced by was able to?
Would there be any difference in meaning ? - When could is not used with *hear, see, understand,*etc., it can't indicate that someone has the ability to do something specific.
e.g.:- After treatment he could return to work. ( wrong )
- After treatment he was able to return to work. ( correct )
What if it comes to someone gets approval to do something? Which form is better in that case?
When are could and was/were able to interchangeable?
I would like to know how native speakers use these two terms in daily life.
From: http://english.stackexchange.com
HOMEWORK
WB p. 65
WB p. 65