Could VS Was able to
These days I read a grammar book in which I found something I did not know beforehand.

"could" represent someone's ability to do something but it does not mean that he really did it.

On the other hand, "Was able to" means that someone could do something and ,in reality, he or she did it.

For example.

When I was young, I could climb any tree in the forest.
= That is, he could climb any tree but it doest not mean he really did it or not. we do not know if he really climbed any tree or not.
Is it right????

Although Ric Flair was old, he was able to beat Mark at the match after working hard.
= it means Ric Flair could beat Mart and ,in reality, he knocked Mark down.
Is it right?

In addition, If I change two of them for another like..
1. When I was young, I was able to climb any tree
=it means that I could not only climb any tree but also ,In reality, did it.

2. Although Ric was old, he could beat Mark.
= it means that he could beat Mark But we do not know whether he really knocked Mark down or not.

Is it right?

Question

Could VS Was able to
These days I read a grammar book in which I found something I did not know beforehand.

"could" represent someone's ability to do something but it does not mean that he really did it.

On the other hand, "Was able to" means that someone could do something and ,in reality, he or she did it.

For example.

When I was young, I could climb any tree in the forest.
= That is, he could climb any tree but it doest not mean he really did it or not. we do not know if he really climbed any tree or not. 
Is it right????

Although Ric Flair was old, he was able to beat Mark at the match after working hard.
= it means Ric Flair could beat Mart and ,in reality, he knocked Mark down. 
Is it right?

In addition, If I change two of them for another like.. 
1. When I was young, I was able to climb any tree
 =it means that I could not only climb any tree but also ,In reality, did it.

2. Although Ric was old, he could beat Mark. 
 = it means that he could beat Mark But we do not know whether he really knocked Mark down or not.

Is it right?

Answer

For me they mean the same - He could or he was able to both show his ability to do something at the past. None of them tell that he actially did it or not.

Answer

Wow Denis. How can I appreciate you? Really Thank you !! ^________^ 
I did not forget your last advise on the Moonstone. And I think you are genius!!
Thank you!! so much!

Answer

The grammar book is correct. The modal verbs do not have an aspect of completion, that is, they express possibility but not accomplishment of an action.

'could' and 'was able to'....can express possibility 

POSSIBILITY ..no action was completed.
-I was able to climb any tree when I was young.
-I could climb any tree when I was young.

When you are talking about the ACCOMPLISHMENT of a  SPECIFIC action in the past "was able to" is used.

-I was able to start my card this morning at 7am......meaning I actually started my car this morning.

-I could start my car this morning at 7am.......it was POSSIBLE but "could" does not express the idea that you actually did start your car.

-I could have started my car this morning at 7am......it was theoretically possible but you didn't actually start your car.

Answer

As far as i understand
finaly, Iwas able to reach the goal.
I could reach the goal, if it wasn't so diffcult. 

 I think I could do it, why not?

Answers · 5

Still haven’t found your answers?

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn a language from the comfort of your own home. Browse our selection of experienced language tutors and enroll in your first lesson now!