This is a short lesson on how to use modal verbs in the past tense in English Grammar.
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Asian American Pacific Islander Month DDSD 2024.pptx
English Grammar - Using Modal Verbs in the past
1. Modal Verbs – Past Tense
Language Open Learning English
Grammar Guide
2. Modal Verbs – Past Tense
Talking about PAST ABILITY.
We use for a general past ability
could, couldn’t, was able to
– Emma could swim when she was ten
– Emma was able to swim when she was ten
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3. Modal Verbs – Past Tense
Talking about PAST ABILITY.
For a specific past action
was able to
– When Jim fell into the river, Amy was able to
save him.
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4. Modal Verbs – Past Tense
Talking about CERTAINTY/UNCERTAINTY.
We use modal + have + past participle
• You must have left your wallet at home
(meaning - I’m sure you did)
• She can’t have said that
(meaning - I’m sure she didn’t)
• He might have taken a taxi home
(meaning – maybe/perhaps he did)
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5. Modal Verbs – Past Tense
Talking about OBLIGATION.
In the past, we use:
Had to, didn’t have to, didn’t need to, needn’t have done
There is no past form of must
• When I was at school, we didn’t have to/didn’t need
to wear a school uniform
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6. Modal Verbs – Past Tense
Talking about OBLIGATION.
Strict Grammar –
• Didn’t need to – means I had a choice
– I didn’t need to do any homework yesterday
• Needn’t have done – means it wasn’t necessary
– I needn’t have done any homework yesterday
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7. Modal Verbs – Past Tense
Talking about OPINIONS and ADVICE
The form is Modal + have + past participle
– I think you should have worked harder
– You shouldn’t have eaten so much
We can also use to have done, ought not to have done
These are making a criticism and we are saying they are wrong
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