Questions about modal verbs, pronunciation, tense
1) Using of modal verbs together.

a) shouldn't need b) wouldn't dare. c)...

What forms are there else? And instances when I can use them, in short?

2) Pronunciation of 't' like 'd'?

I mean when I'm watching shows sometimes I notice words like 'item' sound nonstandard. I'd like to read something about consonants which sound different in American English.

3) - Insolent to the end, eh?

An idiomatic expression or something like this kind that has no question mark/segment (any form of 'be', pronoun etc), but interjection/intonation/some element. I must be enlightened about these cases.

4) Using of past tense in present.

http://tinyurl.com/y6k879kb

- Shh. I thought I heard something.

Why not say "I think I heard something" instead?

Question

Questions about modal verbs, pronunciation, tense
1) Using of modal verbs together.

a) shouldn't need  b) wouldn't dare. c)...

What forms are there else? And instances when I can use them, in short?

2) Pronunciation of 't' like 'd'?

I mean when I'm watching shows sometimes I notice words like 'item' sound nonstandard. I'd like to read something about consonants which sound different in American English.

3) - Insolent to the end, eh?

An idiomatic expression or something like this kind that has no question mark/segment (any form of 'be', pronoun etc), but interjection/intonation/some element. I must be enlightened about these cases.

4) Using of past tense in present.

http://tinyurl.com/y6k879kb

- Shh. I thought I heard something.

Why not say "I think I heard something" instead?

Answer

1) Not all auxiliary verbs are modals. "Need" and "dare" are "semi-modal"
https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/grammar/british-grammar/common-verbs/need

2) google "flap t".  You'll find lots of explanations.  In brief, when t is in the middle of a word and precedes an unstressed vowel, Americans will usually pronounce it like a short, fast "d" "or a single trill of a Spanish "r."

Then, go a step further and look up "glottal stop t." In words like "written" and "button," Americans won't pronounce "t" with our mouths at all.  Instead, We'll close and open our throats quickly, creating a small gulping sound.

3. Could you re-phrase this question?  I'm not sure I understand.

4.  "I think" implies more than 50% certainty that I really did hear something.  "I thought" means  "A second ago, I was convinced I heard something, but now I'm not sure".  It is similar to "I might have heard something"

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