MODALS IN PAST FORM

Modals In Past Form

1 . Could :
Could is the past form of can. It used to say ability, permission, polite question, polite request and polite offer.

COULD + VERB BASE.
Example :
I could lend you my car till tomorrow.
Could I go to cinema, please?
I could speak English.
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To indicate that the ability existed in the past but doesn’t exist now.

Example: 

Swift         : Ras, can you climb the coconut tree?

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

        Alison           : I’m having trouble with math.
        Gaga             : Why you don’t ask Alis? Perhaps she could help you.

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

Grandma   : When I was younger, I could swim across the big river very well and faster.

2. Would 

Would is the alteration of will in the past form. Would is use for wish and request (more polite than

will)

WOULD + VERB BASE.

Example :

* Would you open the window, please?

* Would you help me, please?

*  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.

·         For an action that was repeated regulary in the past.
Example :
Vanessa     : What did you do on holidays?

      Ashley      : I would visit my grandparents and my other family in the village, but how not anymore.

·         Insert rather into the pattern and use this expression to express preferences.
Example :
Jerry :  What would you rather do in weekend, go to the party or stay at home?
Lita :  I would rather stay at home than go to the party.

·         To express polite request.
Example :
Mr. Willy : Would you mind posting the letter?
Reva : No, not at all.

3. Should
Should is the past form of shall. It used to advice and obligation.
You should switch off the light when you leave the room.
You should drive carefully in bad weather.
SHOULD + VERB BASE.

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 June 25^th.

  To give definite advice.
Example :
Mother   : Nena, you should study tonight. You will have math test tomorrow, won’t you?
Nena      : I will, Mom.

4. MightMight is the past form of may. It used to tell possibility and hesitant offer.

MIGHT + VERB BASE

Example :
It might windy today.
Might I help you?

* To tell possibilities
Example :
Miley   : Why is Selena taking the bus to get home?
Ashley : She might get a flat time.

* To express polite request.
Example :

Joe                   : Might I borrow your book?

Tayswift           : Yes, of course.