Leave It To Beaver -- modals (forms)
Episode 164: Wally's Big Date

(modal auxiliaries -- form / meaning)

MODALS * PRACTICE * WRITE

PAST (and backshifted)

He couldn't find a clean shirt. Oh, I had to go home. Gee Mom, what did you have to come in for? She was one of the older girls and she used to play baseball with us kids. Maybe he'll try the same kind of excuse you used to use when you wanted to ditch a girl. I knew you were going to get suspicious. Wally was just going to clobber him! How was I supposed to know she was a couple of feet taller than you? I should have looked first! She could have grown since then, couldn't she? She could have been taking vitamins. (backshifted) I thought maybe we could switch. I knew I could count on Eddie. (future perfect) By Saturday night, he'll have forgotten all about the fact that the girl's taller than he is.

NEGATIVE

Can't you see I'm talking, Eddie? Can't you see how worried I am? Gee, Wally, I can't look at a first baseman and tell if she's pretty or not. You know, I still can't picture Wally getting the best of Eddie in a deal. It just isn't natural. He couldn't find a clean shirt. Ah, gee, Mom. I get a chance at a good deal and you won't let me do anything about it. Won't you come in and wait? Won't you sit down and wait? Well, I won't have my son acting like that! Gee, Wally. Maybe it won't be as bad as you think it will. Well sure, but I'm never even going to get to look at her face. You don't have to explain, Wally.

PASSIVE

(none!)

PROGRESSIVE

I should be running along. I'll be looking into her collar bone! Well, I really have to be going . Wally's going to be looking forward to the dance. She could have been taking vitamins.

"PERFECT"

By Saturday night, he'll have forgotten all about the fact that the girl's taller than he is. (past) I should have looked first! She could have grown since then, couldn't she? She could have been taking vitamins.

TWO MODAL IDEAS

I'm going to | have to dance every dance with this big, tall girl.