TextRanch

The best way to perfect your writing.

Discover why 1,062,726 users count on TextRanch to get their English corrected!

1. Input your text below.
2. Get it corrected in a few minutes by our editors.
3. Improve your English!

One of our experts will correct your English.

I was able to vs I could change

Both phrases are correct and commonly used in English. They convey a similar meaning but with a slight difference in nuance. 'I was able to' emphasizes the ability or capacity to do something, while 'I could change' focuses more on the possibility or potential to do something.

Last updated: April 01, 2024 • 791 views

I was able to

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to indicate that someone had the capacity or skill to do something in the past.

Examples:

I was able to finish the project on time.
She was able to solve the difficult puzzle.
He was able to lift the heavy box.
They were able to find a solution to the problem.
We were able to reach a compromise.

Show examples from the web [+]

However, I was able to outfit it.
I was able to turn the tables on her easy.
I was able to isolate penetrating lacerations to the abdomen.
I was able to recreate all the blows to Lieutenant Torres' body.
I was able to hold them...
And I was able to dream.
Fortunately, I was able to overpower him.
I was able to avoid capture.
I was able to get an earlier plane.
I was able to get tickets to Don Giovanni.
I was able to complete several tests before she became delirious.
I was able to create living cell tissue.
I was able to obtain blood and tissue samples, plus...
I was able to separate the stains.
I was able to fence the watches.
I was able to fence the watches.
I was able to capture the coordinates of her internal chip...
I was able to track her down using a reliable street contact.
I was able to track Langella's movements through the hotel.
I was able to fill some of their needs.

Alternatives:

I managed to
I succeeded in
I accomplished

I could change

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to express the possibility or potential to do something in the past or present.

Examples:

I could change my mind if you convince me.
She could change her plans at the last minute.
He could change his attitude towards the situation.
They could change the way they approach the problem.
We could change the date of the meeting.

Show examples from the web [+]

I could change things that have happened which I didn't like.
I know that I could change the past, telling the truth.
Or I could change my name to Justin.
Allen, if you wanted me to, I could change my flight.
The things that I could change just by thinking.
Now I could change your doorknob in other ways.
Look, I could change this number at any time.
I could change a diaper blindfolded if I had to.
But if it continues to drag out, I could change my mind.
You know what I said about the fish? I could change my mind.
You know, if we're doing the first three years over again, I could change majors.
I've just been feeling disconnected lately, and I thought by doing something meaningful with my days that I could change that.
I don't know if I could change.
I mean, I could change the way the world does amputations.
The beatings came a few hours apart, but I could change my mind once I cut open the body.
People thought I could change the world.
I thought I could change it.
I could change it if you want.
If I could change my body.
You said I could change my mind.

Alternatives:

I might change
I may change
I can change

Related Comparisons

What Our Customers Are Saying

Our customers love us! We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283,125 votes.
Also check out our 2,100+ reviews on TrustPilot (4.9).

"Thank you!"
Sachi Nakama July 2024
"I have literally been through chat, PI, claude, bard and bing and I got conflicting answers! Thank you! Human intelligence reigns!"
Retha July 2024
"Faster than AI"
CYNTHIA December 2023
"This was very helpful and I personally think this site is the best."
Kaden October 2023
"It was extremely thorough and very helpful!"
imperialelisa October 2023
"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"
Zubair Alam October 2023
"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."
Selena October 2023
"Without textranch I would be stuck!"
宏祐 October 2023
"Accuracy and fast response. Personal comments from editor. Thank you."
Clh September 2023
"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"
Arturo September 2023
"The fact that you can get reliable fast feedback on your texts."
Vinicius Antonio August 2023
"you guys are better than grammarly i'm being honest here"
ordinary July 2023
"OMG! This is really good than any other text correction tools I've used so far. Highly recommend this."
Vehan July 2023
"Very fast and accurate. thank you."
mojtaba July 2023
"I love this app because it's help to writing skills all of students ♥️"
Tarisini July 2023
"This was exactly the mistake I was looking for, the wording dind´t sound right at first. Better than grammarly!"
Ente July 2023
"The immediate help that I received was reassuring and very satisfactory. Thanks."
priiiyanshuu July 2023
"this helps A LOT for my studies."
kathnunez02 June 2023
"Woow!! I would never have expected such precision! Thank you soooo much!!"
Berta June 2023
"Real Time Editor and not AI. Many Thanks."
Priya June 2023
"The very first thing excites me about Textranch is how much your editors care."
sepideh June 2023
"The fact that texts are checked by human editors rather than by AI, etc. I appreciate this!"
Анна June 2023
"Feel welcome, immediate response, high quality feedback"
martin.roy June 2023
"This is the best app that I have ever seen"
Burulai May 2023

Why choose TextRanch?

Lowest prices
Up to 50% lower than other online editing sites.

Fastest Times
Our team of editors is working for you 24/7.

Qualified Editors
Native English experts for UK or US English.

Top Customer Service
We are here to help. Satisfaction guaranteed!