Primbon English Kelas X Chapter 5

Chapter 5

#   Modals In The Past Form   #

Modals
present	Past
can	could
will	would
shall	should
may	might

1. Could + Verb base

v      To offer suggestions or possibilities

Example:          Patrick              :  Oh, no! I left my shorts.

Spongebob        : Don’t worry, Patrick. You could borrow my shorts.

Asmi                : I’m having trouble with English.

Randah           : Why don’t you ask Agnes? Perhaps she could help   you.

v      To indicate that the ability existed in the past but doesn’t exist now.

Example:          Tasya               : Ras, can you climb the durian tree?

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

Mia                        : 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.

v      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

v      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.

v      Insert rather into the pattern and use this expression to express preferences

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

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

Angel      :  Which country would you rather visit?

Maria      :  I would rather visit Italia than Somalia.

v      To express polite requests

Example:          Andi     :  Would you mind cycling with me, Kala?

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

Mikola  : Would you please pass the helmet, Bella?

Bella     :  No problem.

3. Should + Verb base

v      To give definite advice (advisability)

Example:          Bunda      : Putri, you should study tonight. You will have English test tomorrow, won’t you?

Putri        : I will, Bunda.

Debby     : You should paint your door, Bobby. It looks terrible.

Bobby      : Yes, I know I should.

v      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 25^th.

4. Might + Verb base

v      To tell possibilities

Example:           David               :   Where is Deddy?

Copperfield       :   He might be in the studio with Kalina.

v      To express polite requests

Example:           Tian                  :   Might I borrow your coat?

Ringgo              :  I’m afraid not. It has been brought by Donny for weeks and I don’t know when he’ll return it.