Category: Lezione di inglese

Past Modals

When we are referring to different events, things, and situations speculatively, or in a way that is based on guessing or on opinions that have been formed without knowing all the facts it’s pivotal that we understand the past modals and how to use them.

Past modals, also known as modal verbs in the past, are used to express various degrees of necessity, possibility, or probability in the past. They include modal verbs like “must have,” “should have,” “could have,” “might have,” and “ought to have.” These modals help us talk about events or actions that happened in the past, with a sense of certainty, possibility, or obligation.

Here are some examples of past modals with explanations:

  1. Must have: This expresses a strong deduction or certainty about something that happened in the past.
    • She must have forgotten her keys at home. (I’m sure she forgot her keys.)
    • He must have arrived early. (I’m certain he arrived early.)

2. Should have: This expresses an expectation or a recommendation about something that was expected to happen in the past.

      • You should have called me last night. (I expected you to call, but you didn’t.)
      • She should have studied more for the exam. (It was recommended, but she may not have done it.)

3. Could have: This indicates a possibility or ability in the past, even if the action did not actually happen.

        • They could have taken a different route. (They had the option to take a different route.)
        • I could have gone to the party, but I chose not to.* (I had the ability to go, but I didn’t.)

4. Might have: This suggests a possibility or a small degree of probability in the past.

          1. She might have left already. (There is a chance that she has already left.)
          2. They might have finished the project by now. (It’s possible they have completed it.)

5. Ought to have: This expresses an expectation or obligation that was present in the past.

            1. You ought to have finished your homework by now. (There was an expectation that you would finish it.)
            2. He ought to have apologized for his behavior. (He had an obligation to apologize.)

In all these examples, the modal verbs are followed by a past participle (e.g., have forgotten, arrived, called). The combination of the modal verb and the past participle conveys the specific meaning associated with each modal.

Past Modals Quiz 1

Answer the following questions using the correct form of must have/should have/could have + past participle:

Past Modals Quiz 2

Answer the following questions using might have/ought to have.

 

Well, that’s all we have for the past modals today, folks!  You ought to have had a wonderful time figuring these out, because it was so much fun for us to make this activity!

B1 Future: Be Going to/Present Continuous

Though the Present Continuous is a great way to indicate present events in present time, we can also use this verb tense when referring to future events as well!

The format is as follows:

1. Present Continuous for Future:
Formation: Subject + am/is/are + verb-ing:

Usage:

  • We use the present continuous for future events when we have a definite plan or arrangement.
  • It’s often used for things that are happening relatively soon or in the near future.
  • The time frame is somewhat fixed and planned.

Examples:

  • I am meeting my friend at 3 PM tomorrow.
  • She is flying to Paris next week.
  • They are having a party on Saturday.

Now you try some examples!

Quiz 1 - Present Continuous as Future

Choose the correct option.

 

We can also use the form be going to to indicate future events/situations!

The format is as follows:

2. “Be Going To” for Future:

Formation: Subject + am/is/are + going to + base form of the verb:

Usage:

  • We use “be going to” for future events when there is evidence or a strong intention to do something.
  • It’s often used for things that you’ve already decided to do or that seem likely to happen based on current circumstances.
  • The time frame is more flexible and can be in the near or distant future.

Examples:

  • I am going to study for my exam tonight. (I’ve made this plan.)
  • She is going to have a baby in a few months. (Based on the evidence of her pregnancy.)
  • They are going to buy a new car soon. (They have the intention to do so.)

Now you try some examples!

Quiz 2 - "Be Going To" for Future

Choose the correct answer.

 

So now you know the importance of these tenses!  We here at Scrambled Eggs are sure you are going to be amazing practicing these English phrases in the next couple of days!  Stay amazing!

Daily Routine!

I wake up at 7AM in the morning, get out of bed at 7:15, put on my clothes for work, and then prepare
breakfast by 7:30….”

^ This example above is the first part of someone’s daily routine. A daily routine is, by definition, the activities and experiences that constitute a person’s normal existence. A person’s daily routine is unique to them, which means that every person has a different list of activities they do during a day, depending on the day.

For example, in the morning you can…
Wake up
Get out of bed
Put on your clothes/dress yourself Eat a quick breakfast
Brush your teeth
Wash your face
…And more!

Maybe later in the morning you…
Take the bus to work
Take the train to school
Drive to work
Walk to School …And so on!

As our day continues, so does our routine.

Daily Routine - Quiz

Answer these questions, and see if you can match the correct activity to the correct time!

 

When we do things according to our daily routine, we usually do them in chronological order! This means that we will probably go to work before we make our dinner! Is your routine like the example above?