Understanding Past Modal Verbs

The video tutorial by Teacher Mike explains the differences between 'could', 'would', and 'used to' when discussing past events. 'Could' is used for past abilities or possibilities, 'would' is for actions that were repeated in the past, and 'used to' can describe both repeated actions and states that were true for a long period but are no longer the case. The tutorial provides examples to illustrate these uses, helping learners understand how to apply these modals in their daily English conversations.

Which of the following is NOT a use of 'could' when talking about the past?

• Talking about something that was possible in the past

• Indicating past possibilities

• Describing repeated past actions

• Expressing past abilities

What does 'could' express when used in the past tense?

• A future possibility

• A past ability or possibility

• A repeated action

• A hypothetical situation

Which sentence correctly uses 'could' to describe a past ability?

• I could have gone to the party yesterday.

• I could swim when I was a child.

• I could have been a doctor.

• I could be going to the store now.

Which of the following sentences uses 'could' correctly?

• I could have been a doctor if I studied harder.

• I could swim when I was younger.

• I could be going to the store now.

• I could have gone to the party yesterday.

What does 'would' typically describe when talking about the past?

• A repeated action or routine

• A future plan

• A hypothetical situation

• A single event

Which of the following sentences uses 'would' correctly to describe a past routine?

• I would visit my grandparents every summer.

• I would be going to the gym now.

• I would have gone to the store yesterday.

• I would have been a teacher.

Which of the following is a correct use of 'would'?

• I would have been a teacher.

• I would be going to the gym now.

• I would have gone to the store yesterday.

• I would visit my grandparents every summer.

Which sentence correctly uses 'would' to describe a past routine?

• I would have been a teacher.

• I would visit my grandparents every summer.

• I would be going to the gym now.

• I would have gone to the store yesterday.

What is the main difference between 'would' and 'used to'?

• 'Would' is for future actions, 'used to' is for past actions.

• 'Would' is for repeated actions, 'used to' is for single events.

• 'Would' is for repeated actions, 'used to' can be for both repeated and long-term actions.

• 'Would' is for hypothetical situations, 'used to' is for real past events.

Which of the following is a correct use of 'used to'?

• I used to have breakfast at 8 AM every day.

• I used to have gone to the party.

• I used to be going to the store now.

• I used to be a doctor in the future.