If-clause in present tense and the modal verb "could" in the main clause

Question

Hi. I think when we use a modal verb, we try to convey things like possibility or obligation. Could we use an if-clause that is in the present tense and the main verb that has the modal verb "could" as part of its verb? I could be mistaken but I tend to use the modal verb "could" for conditional sentences that denote hypothetical situations and having an if-clause in the present tense doesn't seem to make a sentence hypothetical. (I am not sure I wrote correctly to reflect what I wanted to say.)

Anyway, is this correct? Or should I change the underlined part to some words similar like "may"?

If you have some money, you could use it to buy some chocolate.

Fandorin · Accepted Answer

Hi Anon.

AnonymousCould we use an if-clause that is in the present tense and the main verb that has the modal verb "could" as part of its verb?

Could is a modal verb, not a "part". You can use "could" to represent assumption. You can use in this case may/might as well. Be aware, though, "can" is not a proper choice in this very case. Mainly "could" is used with "to be".

Why is he upset? It may/might/could be because he lost his bag.

Anonymous I could be mistaken but I tend to use the modal verb "could" for conditional sentences that denote hypothetical situations.

It's ok. It's Second Conditional. Hypothetical is therefore impossible.

Anonymousand having an if-clause in the present tense doesn't seem to make a sentence hypothetical.

Is it a statement? If it's so, it's true. First Conditional therefore pops up.

AnonymousIf you have some money, you could use it to buy some chocolate.

Correct.

Dimsumexpress · Answer

Please visit these sites for your particular question(s):

http://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/grammar/conditional_special.htm

http://www.ego4u.com/en/cram-up/grammar/conditional-sentences

They should help you.

Anonymous
If you have some money, you could use it to buy some chocolate.

If I have the money now, I will buy my mom a nice birthday present. Conditional type 1 Form: if + Simple Present, will-Future

If I have the money now, I will buy my mom a nice birthday present. - a very fullfillable condition.

Condition type 2, Form: if + Simple Past, Conditional I (= would + Infinitive)

If I had the money, I would buy my mom a nice present. A less likely fulfillable condition.

Condition type 3, Form: if + Past Perfect, Conditional II (= would + have + Past Participle)

If I had had the money, I would have bought my mom a nice birthday present. It is impossible that the condition will be fulfilled because it refers to the past.

Fandorin · Answer

Dimsum, have you paid just a smidge of attention to what I wrote?

Dimsumexpress · Answer

Fandorin, you are funny! You were the one with a direct rebuttal aimed directly at me in the other thread. Let me say it clearly, No! My posts were meant to help the original posters with the question.

If you have another question, I will be happy to answer it.

Fandorin · Answer

I'm not funny. I'm a stickler for the truth.

I'm not rebutting you. I just asked what all that "quoting the grammar books" had to do with the question aboutcould in First conditional sentence. As the proof I gave a link to Mr. Micawber's thread with an absolute similar question. That's all. All I wanted to clarify I told you in a previous thread.

If-clause in present tense and the modal verb "could" in the main clause

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