Modals in The Past Form

Modals in the Past form dalam bahasa Indonesia adalah kata bantu pengandaian dalam bentuk lampau.

When do we use modals ?

1.     To talk about someone’s ability (or inability) to do something.

Example        :     

Ø We can find your house without the street plan.

Ø She can’t have a daughter that old !

2.     To talk about an action that is necessary (or impossible or not necessary)

Example        :

Ø You must always have your driver’s licence when you are driving your car.

3.     To talk about situation that is possible (or impossible)

Example        :

Ø Do be careful with that glass, the baby might knock it over..

A modal verb always has the same form :

·        There is no past form (-ed), no present participle (-ing) and no 3rd persons singular (-s)

Modal verbs come before the subject in questions :

e.g : May I come to your house for tea ?

Negatif forms :

Modal verbs haven’t or not after them in the negative. Example “mustn’t”- “needn’t”

Present Form	Past Form
Can May Will Shall Must Ought to Need	Could Might Would Should

Modal in the past are        :

1.     Could + Verb base

We ca use this expression : to offer suggestion or possibilities.

Example :

Terry  : I’m having trouble with physics

Levi     : Why don’t you ask Cahyo ?

Perhaps he could help you.

2.     Would + Mind +V-ing

Use would to express polite request.

Example        :

Dody  : Would you mind posting the letter ?

Randa            : No, Not at all.

3.     Should + Verb base

Example        :

Clara  : Nisa, you should go to library now ?

Nisa    : O.K.

4.     Might + Verb base

Use might to tell possibilities.

Example        :

Tyas    : Why is Ali taking the bus to get home.

Ayu     : He might get a flat time.

Past modals come in two forms. The first type is the easiest and usually requires only a simple. Word change :

I can drive

I could drive when  I was 16.

I have to go to California.

I had to go to California.

Lenny will pat tomorrow.

Lenny said he would pay tomorrow.