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66
a)
in main clauses
If I had
time
I could go there
I would go there
I might go there
I should go there
b)
in subordinate clauses
If I could translate this
article
If he might translate this
article
If I would translate this
article
(if I consented to do it)
If I translated this article
it would be nice.
There may be a modal phrase in both clauses of the sentence, or in one clause only.
If you would be frank with me I might perhaps be of more help.
... and had he so desired he might have been persona grata with the diplomatic set.
If she could have been compressed to about three quarters of her actual width, she would have been very
attractive.
Anselmo grinned in the darkness. An hour ago he could not have imagined that he would ever smile
again.
I would have kept on going, if I hadn’t had to leave Paris.
The subjunctive mood in adverbial clauses of comparison
§ 90. Several forms of subjunctive are used in clauses of comparison depending on the time-reference.
1. If the action in the comparative clause is simultaneous with that in the main clause, the non-factual past
indefinite or past subjunctive is used.
2. If the action in the comparative clause is prior to that in the main clause, the non-factual past perfect is
used.
The usual conjunctions introducing comparative clauses are as if and as though.
His eyes wandered as if he were at a loss.
He paid no attention to us, as though we did not exist.
Miss Handforth was holding a tea-pot as if it were a hand grenade.
And so we faced each other after three years of letter-writing as if we had been having a beer every
afternoon for years.
3. If the action in the subordinate clause is presented as following the action in the main clause would +
infinitive is used.
He was whistling gaily as if his heart would break for joy.
The subjunctive mood in adverbial clauses of purpose
§ 91. In clauses of purpose the form used depends on the conjunction introducing the clause.