​HAD TO

• It's used to talk about an OBLIGATION in the past. DIDN'T HAVE TO is ABSENCE of obligation.

​

​ EXAMPLE:

• Yesterday, Petra HAD TO go home because she felt sick.

​

• ​I DIDN'T HAVE TO COOK last night because my husband bought hamburgers.

​COULD

​Used to talk about general skills or abilities in the past.

​

When I first started my career, I could work long hours without a break.

​

They hired her because they knew that she could do the job well.

​

At this time last year, Santiago couldn’t speak English.

​WAS ABLE TO

• ​SPECIFIC ABILITY IN THE PAST

​

I called our IT help desk and they were able to resolve the issue.

​

Were you able to get in touch with Gary?

QUESTIONS TIME!​