be able to

[bhaisahab]

Originally Posted by beachboy

When somebody says I was able to go out last night does it necessarily mean the speaker did go out? Or only had the opportunity?

"I was able to go out last night" I was able to, but didn't, or, I was able to, and did, it hadn't been possible before.

[David L.]

When somebody says "I was able to go out last night." does it necessarily mean the speaker did go out? Or only had the opportunity?

"I was able to go out last night" I was able to, but didn't, or, I was able to, and did, it hadn't been possible before.

If a speaker said those words in isolation, what meaning is he conveying?
If he went out, why not just say, I went out/ or - I didn't go out?

Why would a speaker use this particular phrasing, these words??:
"I was able to go out last night."

[Clark]

Originally Posted by David L.

[color="Red"]
Why would a speaker use this particular phrasing, these words??:
"I was able to go out last night."

Well, maybe his illness doesn't usually let him go out but yesterday he felt better and was able to do it.

[David L.]

Spot on!
Just shows the nuances of meaning of just a few words.

[Clark]

Thanks, David L.