MODALS IN THE PAST FORM

Modals in the past form

Present : can, will, shall, may.

Past : could, would, shout, might.

1. Could + Verb base

* to offer suggestions or possibilities

   Example: Patrick       : Oh, no! I left my shorts.

                 Spongebob : Don’t worry, Patrick. You could borrow my shorts.

                 Yessi  : I’m having trouble with Math.

                 Rolla  : Why don’t you ask Novia ? Perhaps she could help you.

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

   Example: Icha   : Mom, can you help me to climb the mango tree?

                  Mom : Well, I could climb mango tree when I was so young. But I think I’m too heavy to climb it.

                  Asrie      : Grandpa, what could you do when you were younger?

                  Grandpa : When I was younger, I could swim across the big river very well and 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 and go fishing.

* insert rather into the pattern and use this expression to express preferences

Example: Justin : What would you rather do in the weekend, go to the party or stay home?

              Bryan : 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 or 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 25th.

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 and I don’t know when he’ll return  it.