An if-clause there?

Question

Hi. I think for the sentences below, we could think of as if-clauses being there, eventhough not explicitly. What do you think? If we could think of like that, is it common to have the modal verb "would" in subordinate clauses? (I am not sure I have written my questions correctly to reflect what I wanted to say, though.) I think the parts "he would do it" and "he would go for it" are subordinate clauses (not sure, though).

I think he would do it.

I think he would go for it.

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

I think for the sentences we could think of as if-clauses being there, even though not explicitly. What do you think?-- I agree.
If we could think of like that, is it common to have the modal verb "would" in subordinate clauses?-- Yes.
(I am not sure I have written my questions correctly to reflect what I wanted to say, though.-- You have.)
I think the parts "he would do it" and "he would go for it" are subordinate clauses (not sure, though). -- They are.

English 1b3 · Answer

Here is another thread, MM has contributed to, which I think you'll find informative:

What I think MM is saying is that if would is not expressing repetition (past habits) or talking about the future in the past, then 'would' is being used as the conditional would, with either an overt or covert 'if clause.'

And I think he also mentions that when there is an implied if clause, only then can 'would' express degress of certainty, politeness etc. I think when the if clause is present, it has no such meaning attached.

An if-clause there?

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