could / was or were able to

could/was-were able to

100

When I was a child, I .... spend hours climbing trees, but i have trouble climbing stair! 

Could 

200

Jackson's very intelligent. He .... read by the time he was three.

was able to

300

I .... do anything last week! I had the flu.

could not  or was not able to

400

I .... talk briefly with your college advisor. She was very nice. 

was able to

500

We were late, but we .... catch the train . It was also late 

were able to