In Present tenses^x, Clauses^x, Idioms^x

I think you are over-analyzing.would like with an infinitive is an idiom expressing desire. would love is an emphatic form of would like.They are both used as if they were present tenses.I would to go with you._____There is really no need to appeal to the concepts of ellipsis or conditionals. ...

I don't really know exactly why I said "wrong" in one place and "awkward" in another! Your question in the other thread seemed to focus on mixed conditionals, and I didn't want to leave you with the impression that all mixed conditionals are wrong. Maybe that's...

Doesn't it bother you that a present perfect tense in an if clause is used with would?Isn't the past usually used with would in that case?It is unusual. The reason it's OK is that would like to (or would love to) is an idiom equivalent to want to (a present tense). So it's likeI...

They certainly seem correct to me. Perhaps it's the idiom happen to that's bothering you.If you happen to have money = If, by chance, it turns out that you have money CJ

I know 'would' carries many meanings. My problem is sometimes I find it difficult to tell which meaning the speaker uses. I think I understand its hypothetical usage, and in some contexts, its politeness usage. Below is a post that has several woulds I have trouble interpreting. I also...

Dear teachers, Would you please tell which sentences are wrong and why? 1 a) I feel better since I moved house.OK b) I am feeling much better since I have moved house.OK (if both are correct what would be the difference between them, please?) b) means you have recently moved...

The present tenses (present (simple) and present progressive) can express future time in English, not just the will form. The idiom going to also expresses future time. She the television, I'll pay him, and not a minute sooner. (completion of a task) CJ

Yes. I thought maybe that's what you were referring to. would in an if clause is possible when the would or the entire if-clause is part of a formula of politeness. if you would be so kind is a typical example of if with would in a "politeness phrase". This formula is equivalent to please. ...