Modals in the past, present, and future
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the use of modals in different time frames, specifically how they function in the past, present, and future tenses.
Answer
Modal verbs can refer to present, future, and past time.
Modal verbs can refer to different time frames: present, future, and past. For present/future, they directly precede the verb (e.g., can, may, must). To express past time, some modals change form, such as could, might, should.
Answer for screen readers
Modal verbs can refer to different time frames: present, future, and past. For present/future, they directly precede the verb (e.g., can, may, must). To express past time, some modals change form, such as could, might, should.
More Information
Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs like can, should, and must. In English, they can indicate different times: present/future (e.g., can, may, must) and past (e.g., could, might, should). They express different conditions such as probability, necessity, and permission.
Tips
A common mistake is using the wrong form of a modal verb to indicate time. Ensure you differentiate between present/future forms and their past equivalents.
Sources
- Modality: tense - Cambridge Grammar - dictionary.cambridge.org
- Modals in the past and present - Grammar - needgrammar.com
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