C class past modals

Past modals

Obligation:

had to

e.g. We had to train for three hours at football practice yesterday.

Necessity/Lack of necessity:

had to/needed to

didn't have to/didn't need to

e.g. Mum didn't have to cook yesterday. We ordered pizza.

Ability/Lack of ability:

could/couldn't (general ability)

was/wasn't able to (specific ability)

e.g. Mary could swim when she was five.

I wasn't able to finish the project.

Let's practice!!

Multiple Choice

I ___ run fast when I was six.

• can

• could

• had to

Multiple Choice

I forgot my umbrella yesterday! I ___ walk in the rain.

• can

• have to

• had to

Multiple Choice

Thanks but you ____pick me up in the car yesterday.

• couldn't

• didn't have to

• had to

Multiple Choice

There was a lot of traffic but Tom ______ get to work on time.

• have to

• was able to

• could