Difference between might and would in the past

Question

However drunk he might come home she would always please him / however drunk he would come home she would always please him.Could a native speaker please tell the nuance I can't hear between might and would in the context. Both denote a habitual action in the past . But what's the difference. Thanks .

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

VladvHowever drunk he might come home

This is not the usual "might". It does not address the likelihood of his coming home drunk. It addresses the degree of his drunkenness. You therefore can't contrast it with "would".

Vladvhowever drunk he would come home

I would never put it this way. I can't call it wrong, but it sounds non-standard to me. "However drunk he came home …" would be standard, I think.

CalifJim · Answer

Vladv
However drunk he might come home she would always please him / however drunk he would come home she would always please him.
Could a native speaker please tell the nuance I can't hear between might and would in the context. Both denote a habitual action in the past . But what's the difference. Thanks .

The 'might' in the first clause is in the category of the 'may' or 'might' of concession. It has the same semantic function it has after such words as "although" or "even though". So 'might' doesn't have the exact same meaning or usage here as it usually does. Substituting 'would' for 'might' doesn't change much. It's just that 'might' emphasizes the idea of concession more, so you could say that 'might' is a more sophisticated way of saying it.

Here are a few sentences that use the same formula. You can choose to read them with 'may' or 'might' for a more literary tone, or you can choose the bare-bones option without the modal verb. In each case keep in mind that the first clause is about something that is definitely true, and the modal verb is more like ornamentation.

Although plantains [may resemble / resemble] bananas, they taste and cook more like potatoes.
However bad life [may seem / seems], there is always something you can succeed at.
While Obama [may not have had / didn't have] deep congressional relationships, many on his staff did.
However sad it [might be / is], infertility is a condition, not a disease or an illness.
Although Tyler [might be / is] the smallest city in the state, it offers the best business opportunities.
Even though the band [might be / is] this year's favorite, not everyone is looking forward to seeing them play.

CJ

Difference between might and would in the past

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