MODALS IN THE PAST FORM

MODALS IN THE PAST FORM

Definition

Modals in the Past form dalam bahasa Indonesia adalah kata bantu pengandaian dalam bentuk lampau.

When do we use modals? 

• To talk about someone's ability (or inability) to do something
• To talk about an action that is necessary (or impossible, or not necessary)
• To talk about a situation that is possible (or impossible)

Remember: Modal verbs in the past tense describe something that was or wasn't done

Modals in the past are :

      1.      Could + Verb base

-  To offer suggestions or possibilities

Example: 
Vhita : Oh, no! I left my shorts.
Nada : Don’t worry, Jason. You could borrow my shorts. 

-  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.

-  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: 
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.

      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.

-  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 13th.

      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