Modals In The Past Form

Modals
present	Past
can	could
will	would
shall	should
may	might

1. Could + Verb base

>>      To offer suggestions or possibilities

Example:          

Jason      :  Oh, no! I left my shorts.

Nate       : Don’t worry, Jason. You could borrow my shorts.

Mitchie  : I’m having trouble with English.

Demi : Why don’t you ask Tess? Perhaps she could help you.

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

Example: 

Mitchie  : Ras, can you climb the coconut tree?

Shane     : Well… I could climb coconut tree when I was so young. But I think I’m too heavy to climb it.

Selena      : 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:          

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

Ryan    :  I would rather go to the party than stay home.

Gabriella  :  Which country would you rather visit?

Sharpay    :  I would rather visit Italia than Somalia.

>>      To express polite requests

Example:          

Nick       :  Would you mind cycling with me, Selena?

Selena    :  No, not at all. It would be nice.

Joey     : Would you please pass the helmet, Mary?

Mary   :  No problem.

3. Should + Verb base

>>      To give definite advice (advisability)

Example:          

Mom      : Putri, you should study tonight. You will have English test tomorrow, won’t you?

Mitchie  : I will, Mom.

Joe       : You should paint your door, Kevin. It looks terrible.

Kevin   : 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 25^th.

4. Might + Verb base

>>      To tell possibilities

Example:          

Nick     :   Where is Joe?

Kevin   :   He might be in the studio with Stella.

 

>>      To express polite requests

Example:          

Demi   : Might I borrow your coat?

Miley   : I’m afraid not. It has been brought by Hannah for weeks and I don’t know when he’ll return it.