Modals In The Past From

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 .