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English modals verbs (Would (In reported speech, as the past version of…
English modals verbs
Would
- In reported speech, as the past version of ''will''
- To talk about repeated [action] in the past (habits)
Ex: I would go out with my friends must evenings when I was I student. ≠ used to (situation: live...)
- Past of will ''refused to ''
Ex: I asked him, but he wouldn't help me (he refused to )
Ex: I will ask him, but he won't help me (he will refuse)
- Talking about the future in the past
Ex: When I was young I thought that in years to come I would be really tall = want in futur
- To make polite requests
Ex: Would you get me a sandwich ?
Would >Will (litte formal and polite)
Expression with would
- Would you mind + -ing
- Would like (more polite than want)
Ex: Mr.President, I would like to draw
- To talk about imaginary or unreal situations
Ex: What would you do if you were attacked by a shark ? (Question about imaginary situation) (Conditional)
- Desire
Ex I would come tomorrow, but I have already made other plans
Can
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Preterit (Could)
- Past ability
Ex: When I was young, I could easily touch my toes
- Past archievement
Could -> was/were able to / managed to
Ex: We hired a car and we were able to / managed to drive 1,000 miles in one week (Nous avons pu / résussi)
Could have + -ed
- To Talk about possibility in the past
Ex: They could have taken a taxi home instead of walking and getting wet
- Criticism
Ex: You could have called to say you would be late
- Regret
He could have been a doctor
- Possibility / Ability Ex: She can swim
- Request Ex: Can you help me ?
Conditional (Could)
- Polite request = present
Ex: Could I have some coffee ?
- Polite suggestion = present
Ex: If I visited your city where could I go to get a great view ?
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Will (futur simple)
- To propose to do sth for someone or To refuse to do sth
Ex: I'm really tired. I'm falling asleep
I will make you a coffee
Ex: No, I will not help you with your homework
- Promises and threats
Ex: If you help me cook my dinner, I will do the washing up
Ex: Stop doing that or I will call the police
- Predictions
Ex: I think Liverpool will beat Manchester United
'' Going to''
- Certain about sth
Ex: The builder called with the cost of a new window. It is going to cost £600
- Requests
Ex: Will you buy me a drink pls ?
Should
- Advice and suggestions or Duty
Ex: You should tell him what you think
Ex: You should respect your parents
- To talk about what is ideal or desired
Ex: They should reduce the price of petrol. It's so expensive
Ex: There should be more public hospitals
- Probability Ex: There should be a very big crowd at the party. Mary have so many friends = Il devrait y avoir
Should have + -ed (past)
- Something you regret
Ex: I should not have shouted at you = J'aurais pas dû (Conditionnel passé)
- Mistake (a little criticism / What is ideal)
Ex: You should have been more carefully = Tu aurais dû être
Shall
(British english)
- To suggest sth (only with shall)
Ex: Shall I close the door ?
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Formal context; use with ''I''and ''We''**; Shall > Will
- To make predictions
- To talk about intentions or decisions
Ex: We shall remenber this day forever
May
-
possibility + (In present and futur)
Must
- Obligation (come from the speaker)
ex: I must buy some clothes. Mine looks so old
- To express deductions and conclusions
Ex: Jack must be at home
- Invitations / Encouragements
Ex: You must go and see that film / You must try some of this chocolate cake
-
Might
(Past of May)
- A small possibility
- Past possibility (might have + v-ed) Ex :He might have returned late last night = Il aurait pu rentrer tard la nuit tard
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