modals in the past form

1. Could + Verb base

ô to offer suggestions or possibilities

Example:

manda : Oh, no! I left my book.

merri : Don’t worry, manda. You could borrow my book.

pepe : I’m having trouble with science.

nira : Why don’t you ask rera? Perhaps she could help you.

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

Example:

meta : Ras, can you climb the durian tree?

ruta : Well… I could climb durian tree when I was so young.

But I think I’m too heavy to climb it.

mimi : father, what could you do when you were younger?

father : When I was younger, I could swim across the big river

very well and faster.

ô to express polite requests

Example: Could I borrow your handphone (please)?

Could you lend me your shoes now?

Could you please close the window?

Could you pass the sugar?

2. Would + Verb base

ô 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.

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

Example:

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

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

samantha : Which country would you rather visit?

Mikha : I would rather visit Italia than Somalia.

ô to express polite requests

Example:

nola: Would you mind cycling with me, mei?

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

stacy : Would you please pass the helmet, Bella?

Bella : No problem

3. Should + Verb base

ô to give definite advice (advisability)

Example:

bunda : shendy, you should study tonight.

You will have English test tomorrow, won’t you?

shendy : I will, Bunda.

audrey : You should paint your door, Ben. It looks terrible.

Benny : Yes, I know I should.

ô 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 November 13^th.

4. Might + Verb base

ô to tell possibilities

Example:

serra : Where is Deddy?

mitha : He might be in the studio with marsya.

ô To express polite requests

Example:

raisa : Might I borrow your book?

Raza : I’m afraid not. It has been brought by benikno for weeks and

I don’t know when he’ll return it.