Could – Was able to –

Managed to
Use
We use could, was able to and managed to to talk about past ability
and possibility.
Could

We use could to talk about general abilities in the past.

◦ He could speak fluent French when he was 5.
◦ I could read before I started school.
Was able to or managed to

When we talk about ability on one particular occasion we

use was/were able to and managed to.
◦ The burglar was able to get in through the bathroom window.
◦ The burglar managed to get in through the bathroom window.
Could have + past participle
Would have + past participle

We use could have + past participle or would have been able to to

talk about hypothetical events that were possible in the past but
didn’t happen. They can be used in the positive and the negative
◦ I could have gone to university but I decided to enter the Naval Academy.
◦ I would have been able to win the race but I fell over.
◦ I couldn’t have done it without your help.
◦ I wouldn’t have been able to afford that mansion even if it had been for sale.
I tried to open the door but it was too difficult. I _______________
(able) open the door.
I had a chance to steal the necklace but I didn’t. I _____________
(could) the necklace, but I didn’t.
It was difficult by they escaped. They _____________ (manage)
escape.