Are you mastering the modal past tense?

We review the rule of the modal preterite, also known as the subjunctive of the preterite. Let me learn or review a grammar rule and practice with a few sentences to make sure you avoid this costly mistake in the competition!

Model Past Tense: Mantra Sutra

As its name suggests, the modal past tense is the past tense. However, it should be added that this tense indicates that the fact in question did not happen, we are talking about the past tense “not real”. Its use therefore aims to highlight a gap, whether related to the past or to reality.

A little tip for finding the modal past tense: ” important words “. As with most grammar rules, some words indicate a specific type of tense to use. Here’s what you need to remember If, like, instead And It’s time.

First, let’s focus on the past tense If. Yow A hypothesis or “what if” phrase can be translated. when If Translating a hypothesis, we find the imperfect in French. Then, if you see the expression it means whatYou should think about putting past tense after perfect.

Examples:

If I can speak English, I will get a job easily. = If I speak English, it will be easier for me to find a job.

What if it comes tomorrow rather than tonight? = What if I come? Tomorrow instead of tonight?

Now let’s move on to the remaining part” important words “. All of the following expressions indicate that the proposition is not true (breaking with truth). To translate regret, we would use likeAnd it should be noted that an affirmative sentence in French gives a negative sentence in English and vice versa.

to translate likeWe select vice that along with On the contrary and the past tense, and to complete the translation, translates as “it is time.” It’s time Following the past tense (be careful not to add anything in between).

Examples:

I wish you were here. = I am like you were Here.

She will love it if you send her flowers. = she instead you feels Her flowers.

It’s time for them to pay off their debt. = It’s about time They are was paid their debts.

Rule summary

Yow (hypothetical value) + past tense

it means what + past tense

like + past tense = I wish/I regret: expression of regret

instead + Past Tense: I would like to

It’s about time + Past Tense: It was time

Practice

Here are 10 sentences to check if you’ve mastered the rule. Good luck!

1. If I know, I will tell you.
2. I wished he would come.
3. It’s time for you to think about the future.
4. If I were younger, I would buy roller skates.
5. Don’t you want him there?
6. I wish you didn’t tell him.
7. What happens if he fails?
8. He wants to have more money.
9. I’m sorry we have English lessons on Saturdays.
10. They regret having to work on Sunday.

Correction

1. If I know, I will tell you.
2. I wished he would come.
3. It’s time for you to think about the future.
4. If I were younger, I would buy roller skates.
5. Shouldn’t he be here?
6. I wish you hadn’t told him.
7. What happens if he fails?
8. He wished he had more money.
9. I wish we didn’t have English class on Saturdays.
10. They wish they didn’t have to work on Sundays.

I hope you liked the article! If you want to practice more, you can find our other articles here.