"have been able" vs "want"

[Kerman]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #73 "Modal Medley", question 3

It's quite clear that you ......... to visit their house, so why don't you?

(a) have been able
(b) may
(c) want

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #73 "Modal Medley", answer 3

It's quite clear that you want to visit their house, so why don't you?

Correct answer: (c) want
_________________________

please explain why i can't use have been able

thank you
Kerman

[Yankee]

Hi Kerman

The main problem is that the simple present tense question at the end ("so why don't you?") doesn't make much sense in combination with the statement that is made in the present perfect tense ("have been able"). A logical follow-up question would have been "so why haven't you?", for example. With additional context, you might be able to justify mixing the tenses in this sentence, but there is no other context provided.

The correct sentence is completely in the simple present tense and makes sense even without additional context:
"It's quite clear that you want to visit their house, so why don't you (visit)?"

Amy
_________________
"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln

[Kati Svaby]

Hello Amy,

I think the sentence what you explained, disappeared. I would be very curious what was this sentence that you explained to us. So your explanation would be clearer for us.

Many thanks:
Kati Svaby
_________________
Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.

[Beeesneees]

The sentence that Amy was explaining was in the first message:
It's quite clear that you want to visit their house, so why don't you?
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"Inside every old person is a young person wondering what happened."
Terry Pratchett

[Kati Svaby]

Hello Bez,

Many thanks. Okay, I understand.
Regards:
Kati
_________________
Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.