"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