Understanding Modal Verbs: Could, Would, Should

In this video, Agnieszka Murdoch, a CELTA-certified English teacher, explains the differences between 'would', 'should', and 'could' and their past forms 'would have', 'should have', and 'could have'. The video focuses on how these modal verbs are used in hypothetical situations, good ideas, and possibilities, both in the present and the past. The video provides examples to illustrate these concepts and concludes with a recap of the key points discussed.

What is the main focus of the video?

• Differences between 'shall' and 'should'

• Differences between 'would', 'should', and 'could'

• Differences between 'will' and 'will have'

• Differences between 'can' and 'could'

Which conditional is used with 'would' for present hypothetical situations?

• First conditional

• Second conditional

• Third conditional

• Zero conditional

What does 'would have' express?

• A present certainty

• A past certainty

• A future possibility

• A past hypothetical situation

In the context of the video, what does 'would' express?

• A past obligation

• A definite future action

• A present necessity

• A hypothetical present situation

What does the video suggest about 'would have'?

• It is used for past hypothetical situations

• It is used for future possibilities

• It is used for present certainties

• It is used for present hypothetical situations

What does 'should' indicate in the present?

• A future possibility

• A present good idea

• A past possibility

• A past obligation

What does 'should have' imply?

• A past certainty

• A present necessity

• A future obligation

• A good idea in the past that was not done

What is the main difference between 'should' and 'should have'?

• Both are for future

• 'Should' is for present, 'should have' is for past

• Both are for present

• 'Should' is for past, 'should have' is for present

What does 'could' express in the present?

• A past certainty

• A future certainty

• A present possibility

• A past possibility

What does 'could have' indicate?

• A past possibility that did not happen

• A present certainty

• A future possibility

• A past certainty