MODALS IN THE PAST FORM

Present Form = Past Form 

              Can = Could 

             May = Might 

              Will  = Would 

             Shall = Should
     Must = - 

Ought to = - 

     Need = - 

1. Could + Verb base
>,< to offer suggestions or possibility . Example:
Rio       : Oh, no! I left my shorts.
William : Don’t worry, Rio. You could borrow my shorts.

Dimas   : I’m having trouble with English.
Mazhar : Why don’t you ask Agnes? Perhaps she could help you.

>,< to indicate that the ability existed in the past but doesn’t exist now. Example:
Siska    : Dhe, can you climb the durian tree?
Dhea    : Well… I could climb durian tree when I was so young. But I think I’m too heavy to climb it.

Rika       : 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 book, please ?
* Could you lend me your cloth now ?
* Could you please close the window ?
* Could you pass the sugar ?

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:
Nalendro : What would you rather do in the weekend, go to the party or stay home?
Tommy    : I would rather go to the party than stay home.

Riana       : Which country would you rather visit?
Thesa      : I would rather visit Italia than Somalia.

>,< to express polite requests. Example:
Arief       : Would you mind cycling with me, Agra ?
Agra       : No, not at all. It would be nice.

Trithalia  : Would you please pass the helmet, Novina ?
Novina   : No problem.

3. Should + Verb base
>,< to give definite advice (advisability). Example:
Nadya   : Lina, you should study tonight. You will have English test tomorrow, won’t you?
Lina       : I will, Nadya.

Ollyf      : You should paint your door, Dimas. It looks terrible.
Dimas    : 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:
Thea   : Where is Aulia ?
Yanty : He might be in the studio with Ollyf.

>,< To express polite requests
Example:
Deffi  : Might I borrow your coat?
Dwi   : I’m afraid not. It has been brought by Donny for weeks and I don’t know when he’ll return it.

So,,
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"