was (not) able to/could (not)

[Lenka]

Are all these questions correct? If not, why?

- He was able to repair the car yesterday. (I can’t write „He could repair the car yesterday“, can I?)

- He wasn’t able to repair the car yesterday. ( Can I also write: „He couldn’t repair the car yesterday“ ? Is it the same meaning? )

Lenka

[Francois]

I can’t write „He could repair the car yesterday“, can I?

Yes, it's ok.

Can I also write: „He couldn’t repair the car yesterday“ ? Is it the same meaning?

Yes.

FRC

[ARMION]

There is a difference...

If the work is hard, and u succeed in it.. you may use "Though the work was hard, but i was able to do it"...

But you can say "I could do the work yesterday, but i didn't have time for it"..