Modals in the past form

Modals
present Past
can could
will would
shall should
may might

1. Could + Verb base

• 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.

• 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.

• 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: 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.

• 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

• 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.

• 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: David : Where is Deddy?
Copperfield : He might be in the studio with Kalina.

• 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.