could vs. was able to

By the time she was seven, Sara ... (cook) simple meals.

The shops were shut, but John ... (prepare) a decent meal with the ingredients he had.

David and Linda ... (finish) their shopping before the storm began.

As a child, Sam ... (make) delicious bread.

I simply ... (not / eat) fish as a child. I thought it was disgusting!

The cake burned, but I ... (save) it by cutting off the outside.

Kate had no sugar, but she ... (make) a batch of biscuits using honey.

We ... (not / get) a reservation at that restaurant, so we ate at home.

My parents say I could already swim at the age of 5.

• correct

• incorrect

My parents couldn’t join us for the graduation dinner

last Friday.

• correct

• incorrect