Hello,
I understand we can't use the future in an if-clause conditional like "If I will/would teach you, ...". However, I was wondering if we could use other modals like 'could', 'can', 'may', might, should. Do you think so?
Are these correct?
If I can touch you, I will be happy.
If I might speak, you will understand.
Sometimes I hear the expression 'if i may add', is this not correct?
Thank you.
I understand we can't use the future in an if-clause conditional like "If I will/would teach you, ...". However, I was wondering if we could use other modals like 'could', 'can', 'may', might, should. Do you think so?
Are these correct?
If I can touch you, I will be happy.
If I might speak, you will understand.
Sometimes I hear the expression 'if i may add', is this not correct?
Thank you.
Comments
"If I may/might add," is usually casual - conversational - especially when used in the middle of a sentence ("sentence interrupter"?).
I think it would be safe to say that your examples all refer to future time.
can and could are probably the most common.
You'll feel right at home in Mexico if you can speak Spanish.
If I could help you, I would.
CJ
Is it possible and correct to mixed modals (past and future) like in the following?
You'll feel right at home in Mexico if you could speak Spanish.
You would feel right at home in Mexico if you can speak Spanish.
can goes with will; could goes with would.
Any exceptions you see to this pattern are either wrong or exceptions! Don't invent your own exceptions!
CJ
Perhaps "exception" is in the ear of the "hearer."
To me, in this context, "if you can" does not assume that you can't.
I think it functions grammatically in the same way as "since you can speak Spanish."
I hear two separate propositions here:
(1) It's not a certainty at this point that you're going to Mexico.
(2) One argument in favor of your going is that you can speak Spanish.
If this is an exception, then Viva la exception!"
In this usage, you're asking permission to speak in the future.
"If I might have a word with you, Miss Jones." To tell the truth, I don't even know if it's a sentence.
I suppose it's a bit old fashioned, but so am I. I think these things are still said by some of us, and we expect the rest (of us) to understand.
CJ
Life is contextual, isn't it?
Best regards, - A.