| OBLIGATON IN THE PAST: (I had to ...) Had to: the past form of “have to” PRESENT PAST I have to work hard this year. I had to work hard last year. She has to do the cleaning today. She had to do the cleaning yesterday. STUDY THE DIALOGUES BELOW Positive form: Subject + had to + verb1... You are late! I’m sorry, I had to help my father. Why didn’t you come to the match? I had to study for tomorrow’s test. Why were you in a hurry this morning? I had to catch the train. Why did you go to bed late? I had to finish my homework. Negative form: Subject + didn’t have to + verb1... How was your holiday? It was great. I didn’t have to get up early. I didn’t have to go to school. I didn’t have to worry about tests and exams. It was really good. Hey! You are early. Yes, we didn’t have to wait very long for the bus. I’m very surprised. How did Jack finish the work in such a short time? He didn’t have to do it on his own. His friends helped him. Question form: Did + subject + have to + verb1...? Did you have to wear a suit to the meeting? No, I didn’t. It was an informal meeting. Why did you have to walk home last night? My car broke down and I couldn’t find a taxi. Where did Ann have to go yesterday afternoon? To the dentist. She had a bad toothache. |
| ABILITY IN THE PAST (I could do...) Could: the past form of “can” PRESENT PAST I can swim. I could swim when I was ten. He can play the piano. He could play the piano when he was eight. Positive form: Subject + could + verb1... George was good at sports when he was at school. He could play football and basketball well. And he could run very fast. My grandfather could speak five foreign languages. I could read and write when I was five years old. Negative form: Subject + couldn’t + verb1... I couldn’t play well yesterday and I lost the match. Kate couldn’t come to the party, because she had to work. I had a toothache last night. So I couldn’t sleep. Question form: Could + subject + verb1...? Could you speak to English tourists last year? No, I couldn’t. My English wasn’t so good then. Could Brian ride a horse when he was a little child? Yes, he could. What sports could you do when you were at school? I could play volleyball well. |
| Could (Permission and Requests) 1. Asking for permission: We use “could” to ask for permission. It is more polite or formal than “can”. We do not use “could” to give permission. “Could I ask you something?” “Yes, of course you can.” “Could I use your telephone, please? “Certainly.” “Could I leave the office early today? “I’m sorry you can’t.” 2. Requests: We use “could” to ask people to do things. “Could you shut the door, please?” “Sure.” “Could you lend me ten pounds until tomorrow? “Certainly.” “Could you help me finish the report?” “Sorry, I’m too busy.” |