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Content tagged with "criticism"

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Modals to express criticism: CAN, COULD, MIGHT, SHOULD

criticism
modals
CAN
COULD
MIGHT
SHOULD

Present and future

Can, could, might and should/shouldn't + infinitive are used to express criticism or disapproval with reference to present or future time:

Modals to express habits: WILL, WOULD, USED TO

annoyance
criticism
emphasis
habitual actions
modals
USED TO
WILL
WOULD

Present

Would can express annoying habits which are typical of a person:

Tom would do something like that, wouldn't he? It's so typical of him!

Will is used to emphasise the characteristics of a person rather than describing the person himself or herself:

Present perfect with WHEN

criticism
perfect
present
WHEN?

When with present perfect refers to an indefinite time in an incomplete period of time and is used to indicate criticism:

When have you ever done the dishes? (any time in your life or since we met)

Present simple with SINCE WHEN

criticism
present
simple
SINCE

Since when? with the present simple is used to indicate doubt or sarcasm: