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:
Daddy : Putra, you should study tonight.
You will have English test tomorrow, won’t you?
Putra : I will, Dad.

Debby : You should paint your house, 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.