In Modals^x, Conditionals^x, Conversations^x

The first sentence means essentially the same as "...can/will you lend me some?", but "could/would" has the effect of "softening" the request -- making it seem less direct. The use of "happen to have" (as opposed to just "have") makes no...

Hi Bokeh, Becasue of your reply, it made me take a second look at the original question. I also did some research and found this paper written on the subject of Semantic Composition of Subjunctive Conditionals by Michela Ippolito of MIT/Tübingen University. I am not completely sure if I...

Hello Kooyeen 1. I'd like to go to Jenny's party ----> He said he would like to go to Jenny's party (I would say this is ok only if Jenny hasn't had the party yet) — It's also possible that someone would say this, if the party had already happened; but I think your interpretation is...

Thanks. Your original 1 and 2 are "mixed" stuctures: "would" mixed with "can". These are possible in casual conversations. Some people do speak that way. However, I recommend learning to recognize it when you hear it, but not "mixing" when you speak or write -- at least not until you gain...

"would" usually implies a conditional, even if it's not stated explicitly. The standard versions of these four are: 1. That would be cool if you could do that. 2. It would be nice of you if you could do that. 3. That will be cool if you can do that. 4. It will be nice of you if you can...

All correct. Look at the list again. With "if" statements, "could" is possible for both present and past in the "if" clause. But remember that "could" is a substitute for "may" in the case of the first two in the present. If you want to express that she is able to go (to the party), you will have...