was able to

phraseCEFR B1

পেরেছিল, সক্ষম হয়েছিল

Meaning

Used to say that someone managed to do one particular thing in the past.

Example sentences

She was able to finish before dark.সে অন্ধকার নামার আগেই শেষ করতে পেরেছিল।
We were able to reach him by phone.আমরা ফোনে তার নাগাল পেয়েছিলাম।

A common mistake

The exam was hard, but I could pass it.→The exam was hard, but I was able to pass it.

Could describes a general ability over a period. For one thing you actually managed on one occasion, English uses was or were able to.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms: could

Similar words, and what each means

could
পারতাম, পারত; হতে পারে; অনুরোধে ব্যবহৃত
The past of can, a way of saying something is possible, or a polite request.

Where this word is used

Check yourself

“was able to” — এর বাংলা অর্থ কোনটি?
- • পেরেছিল, সক্ষম হয়েছিল
- • ভয় পাওয়া, ভীত হওয়া
- • হাজার বছর
- • বিয়ে করা
Show the answer
পেরেছিল, সক্ষম হয়েছিল — was able to (phrase) — পেরেছিল, সক্ষম হয়েছিল. Used to say that someone managed to do one particular thing in the past.
Which word is closest in meaning to “was able to”?
- • be spot on
- • could
- • good sense
- • lend a hand
Show the answer
could — could — পারতাম, পারত; হতে পারে; অনুরোধে ব্যবহৃত. The past of can, a way of saying something is possible, or a polite request.

Related words