Modals in the past form

Diposting oleh Primbon Bella
Rabu, 02 Februari 2011



Modals in the past form


Modals



Present
Past

Can

Could

Will

Would

Shall

Should

May

Might

1 . Could + Verb base

To offer suggestions / possibilities

Example :

Patrick : Oh , no ! I left my shorts .
Spongebob : Don ’ t worry , Patrick . You could borrow my shorts .
Asmi : I ’ m having trouble with English .
Randah : Why don ’ t you ask Agnes ? Perhaps she could help you .

To indicate that the ability existed in the past but doesn ’ t exist now .

Example :

Tasya : Ras , can you climb the durian tree ?
Rasya : Well … I could climb durian tree when I was so young . But I think I ’ m too heavy to climb it .
Mia : Grandpa , what could you do when you were younger ?
Grandpa : When I was younger , I could swim across the big river very well & faster .

To express polite requests

Example :

Could I borrow your pencil ( please ) ?
Could you lend me your jacket now ?
Could you please close the door ?
Could you pass the salt ?

2 . Would + Verb base

For an action that was repeated regularly in the past

Example :

When I was a child , I would visit my grandparents every weekend .
On Sundays , when I was a child , we would all get up early & go fishing .

Insert rather into the pattern & use this expression to express preferences

Example :

Justin : What would you rather do in the weekend , go to the party / stay home ?
Eminem : I would rather go to the party than stay home .
Angel : Which country would you rather visit ?
Maria : I would rather visit Italia than Somalia .

To express polite requests

Example :

Andi : Would you mind cycling with me , Kala ?
Kala : No , not at all . It would be nice .
Mikola : Would you please pass the helmet , Bella ?
Bella : No problem .

3 . Should + Verb base

To give definite advice ( advisability )

Example :

Bunda : Putri , you should study tonight . You will have English test tomorrow , won ’ t you ?
Putri : I will , Bunda .
Debby : You should paint your door , Bobby . It looks terrible .
Bobby : Yes , I know I should .

To express the subject ’ s obligation / duty :

Example :

You should practice for more than an hour . ( to musical friend )
They shouldn ’ t allow parking here ; the street is too narrow .
Application should be sent before March 25 th .

4 . Might + Verb base

to tell possibilities

Example :

David : Where is Deddy ?
Copperfield : He might be in the studio with Kalina .

To express polite requests

Example :

Tian : Might I borrow your coat ?
Ringgo : I ’ m afraid not . It has been brought by Donny for weeks & I  don ’ t know when he ’ ll return it .



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