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.
Modals in the past are :
1. Could
2. Would
3. Should
4. Shall

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 25th.

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.

When do we use modals ?

* To talk about someone's ability (or inability) to do something

example:"We can find your house without the street plan."

"She can't have a daughter that old!"

* To talk about an action that is necessary (or impossible, or not necessary)

example:"You must always have your driver's licence when you are driving your car."

"You needn't carry your passport around with you."

* To talk about a situation that is possible (or impossible)

example:"Do be careful with that glass, the baby might knock it over"