Question

How do you write the following sentence with a defective verb in the past tense?: I can try to fix it.

Answer 1

The correct forms are: I could try to fix it. or I was able to try to fix it.

Explanation:

Although the verb can is defective, it still has a valid Past Simple form "could" so it is possible to use, but it also has a synonyme "to be able to" which can be used in any tense.

These are correct forms:

• I was able to try to fix it. - Past Simple

• I have been able to try to fix it. - Present Perfect

• I will be able to try to fix it. Future Simple

etc.