Learn English – modal verbs + ing

modal-verbs

I would like to ask to explain to me the usage of the construction modals + be + ing in the following script:

Kristin: Yeah, my, my dad, uh, taught me some things about the car, not as
detailed as changing the brakes or changing the oil. But he taught me basics like just checking my fluids, like power steering fluid, um, brake fluid, the oil. At the time, y’know, I would dread him teaching me. I wouldn’t retain it. I would forget so he would constantly be teaching me. And it would just… I knew it would be this long-winded lecture. When I would be wanting just to get in the car and leave, go meet my friends.

It is told in the past so why can't we use past continous or past simple? What is the difference in meaning?

Thank you for your help.

Best Answer

According to Grammar for English Language Teachers by Martin Parrott:

We use used to and would as alternatives to the simple past in describing habits and repeated actions which took place over a period of time (and which often then ceased).

When we understand it this way, would is not a modal verb, but is a way to refer to the past.

It is told in the past so why can't we use past continous or past simple? What is the difference in meaning?

We can use past continuous or past simple, but the meaning is different. Compare these:

  1. I would forget (I forgot)
  2. he would constantly be teaching me (He was constantly teaching me)
  3. I would be wanting (I was wanting)

I showed in brackets a similar form, without the word would.

The difference in meaning is that past continuous and past simple don't show us that these things happened repeatedly. (The exception is number 2, which shows that it was repeated by using the word 'constantly'). We use would to emphasise this sense of things happening repeatedly.

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