Was able to
Watch four videos using the modal "was able to" in conversation.
Conversation 1
Woman: How did you do on the
test?
Man: Not great. I wasn’t able
to answer all the questions. I ran out of time.
Woman: Same here. Some of the
questions were really hard.
Man: Were you able to finish
the essay section?
Woman: Yeah, I was able to do
that, at least.
Man: Me too, although I wasn’t
able to write 300 words.
Woman: Me neither! How many
words did you write?
Man: I was only able to write
about 200 words.
Woman: Same! Well, fingers
crossed we get a good grade.
Man: Yes, fingers crossed!
Conversation 2
Man: So, how is the wedding
planning coming along?
Woman: Good, we have finalized
most of the arrangements.
Man: Are you still having the
wedding at the lake?
Woman: No, we weren’t able to get the place we wanted.
Man: Oh, then where are you
having it then?
Woman: We are having it at a
hotel in the countryside.
Man: Well, it sounds nice.
Woman: Yeah, in the end, it
worked out well. We were able to get a really
good deal on the caterer, too.
Man: Oh, that’s great! I am
glad to hear it.
Conversation 3
Man: I am sorry I wasn’t able
to attend your birthday party on Saturday.
Woman: Yeah, what happened? We
were expecting you.
Man: Well, my babysitter
canceled and I wasn’t able to find a
replacement.
Woman: Oh, that’s too bad.
Maybe next time.
Man: Well, I really wanted to
go. I’m sorry I couldn’t make it.
Woman: No worries. Some other
people couldn’t make it also.
Man: Oh, good. I am glad I was
not the only one.
Conversation 4
Woman: Before I forget, how
was your trip to New York?
Man: It was fun. We saw a lot.
Woman: Did you see the Statue
of Liberty?
Man: No, we weren’t able to get
tickets for the ferry.
Woman: What about the Empire
State Building? I hope you were able to see
that.
Man: We were able to go there,
but we weren’t able to go to the top.
Woman: Oh no, why not?
Man: It was closed for
maintenance or something.
Woman: Oh that’s too bad.
Man: Well, I am sure I’ll be
able to go back someday!
Was Able To
- I was not able to finish.
- We were able to get there in time.
- I am not able to finish my dinner.
- I will not be able to attend the meeting.
- I couldn't answer all the problems on the test.
- We couldn't get the room we wanted at the hotel.
- We couldn't see the stage from our seats.
- They couldn't attend the party. Their daughter was sick.
- Were you able to get tickets to the concert?
- Could you get the seats you wanted?
- Was Mary able to finish on time?
- Was the hotel able to handle your request?
- Were you able to finish?
- Yes, I was.
- Were they able to attend the party?
- Yes, they were.
We were not able /ta/ buy the house.
He wasn't able /ta/ close the deal.
My company wasn't able /ta/ renew our lease for our office.
Most students were not able /ta/ pass the class.
Gap Fill: Listen to the audio. Type in the correct word!
Grammar Listening Practice
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