Modal Auxiliary Verbs 2

Modal Auxiliary Verbs

Might/Mightn't

This is used
- as past tense equivalent of 'may' in indirect speech.

Examples

" I may not be able to make it," he said.

He said that he might not be able to make it.

- to refer to the hypothetical or the unreal sense of the past tense.

Examples
If only he had the chance to speak, he might have been able to prove his innocence.

- to add a note of tentativeness or politeness.

Examples
How much did you pay for the car if I might ask?

Should/Shouldn't

This is used
- to express a strong possibility

Example
This should be quite entertaining.

- to show annoyance ( usually in rhetorical questions)

Example
Why should I bother?

- as past tense equivalent of 'shall' in indirect speech.

Example
"Shall I tell her?" he asked me.
He asked me if he should tell her.

Could/Couldn't

This is used

- as past tense equivalent of 'can' in indirect speech.

Examples
"Can I speak with you?"
He asked if he could speak with me.

- to refer to the hypothetical or the unreal sense of the past tense.

Examples
If I could play the piano like Jay Chow, I'd be famous.

- to add a note of tentativeness or politeness

Example
Could you come over here for awhile please?

Would/Wouldn't

This is used
- as past tense equivalent of 'will' in indirect speech.

Example
"We will come immediately," we said.

We said that we would come immediately.

- to refer to the hypothetical or the unreal sense of the past tense.

Example
If I could be an astronaut, I would visit the planet, Venus.

- to add a note of tentativeness or politeness

Example
Would you help me with these, please?