The door was stuck, but after several attempts, we (a) open it.
were able to, could, managed to

Quiz
•
English
•
6th - 8th Grade
•
Medium
Learn Speak
Used 1+ times
FREE Resource
15 questions
Show all answers
1.
DROPDOWN QUESTION
1 min • 1 pt
2.
DROPDOWN QUESTION
1 min • 1 pt
She tried calling several times, but she (a) get through.
Answer explanation
✅ Explanation: "Wasn’t able to" is used when someone attempts something but fails. "Could" is incorrect because it's used more generally, not for a specific instance of failure.
3.
DROPDOWN QUESTION
1 min • 1 pt
Despite the bad weather, the hikers (a) reach the top of the mountain.
Answer explanation
Explanation: The sentence implies difficulty due to bad weather, so "managed to" is the best choice. "Could" sounds too general, and "weren’t able to" would mean they failed.
4.
DROPDOWN QUESTION
1 min • 1 pt
He spoke so quietly that I (a) hear him.
Answer explanation
✅ Explanation: "Couldn't" is the natural choice for inability in the past. "Didn’t manage to" is not wrong but is more commonly used for actions requiring effort.
5.
DROPDOWN QUESTION
1 min • 1 pt
After hours of searching, they finally (a) find their lost dog.
Answer explanation
✅ Explanation: "Were able to" is used when talking about a specific success in the past. "Could" is more for general abilities, and "wasn’t able to" contradicts the meaning of "finally find."
6.
DROPDOWN QUESTION
1 min • 1 pt
The musician practiced for years before he (a) performing at the concert hall.
Answer explanation
✅ Explanation: "Succeeded in" is used when talking about finally achieving something after effort. "Could" is too general, and "didn’t manage to" suggests failure.
7.
DROPDOWN QUESTION
1 min • 1 pt
We missed the train, but we (a) catch the next one.
Answer explanation
✅ Explanation: "Managed to" implies that, despite the initial problem, they successfully did something. "Weren’t able to" would mean they failed.
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