Modal verb "might" in the second conditional

Question

Hi. I think we can use the modal verb "might" in a second conditional sentence. Does that mean the modal verb "might" in that context is past in meaning? Also in that context, does the modal verb "might" denote possibility
Thank you for your help in advance.

eg,
If I met him personally, it might be better.

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

AnonymousIf I met him personally, it might be better.

This is not a past situation, so 'might' (and 'met') are not past. 'Might' indicates non-past possibility.

CalifJim · Answer

AnonymousI think we can use the modal verb "might" in a second conditional sentence.

Yes, you can.

AnonymousDoes that mean the modal verb "might" in that context is past in meaning?

No, you can't draw that conclusion because second conditionals are about non-past time. ('might' is rarely past in meaning anyway. We generally use 'might have' for that.)

AnonymousAlso in that context, does the modal verb "might" denote possibility

Yes. Here is a paraphrase:

If I met him personally, maybe (=possibly) it would be better.

CJ

Anonymous · Answer

Thank you both of you. Please help. What would be the difference? I think the difference is one denotes present hypothetical, whereas the other just states what one thinks presently. Thank you again for your help in advance.

If I met him personally, it might be better.
If I meet him personally, it might be better.

Mister Micawber · Answer

The first evinces a smaller likelihood of the meeting.

Fivejedjon · Answer

What some people so not realise is that the so-called past tenses are actually distancing tenses. Their most common use is:

1. Distancing in time, present to past:

a. I meet Emma. every week.
b. I met Emma last week

c. Luke will spend hours reading in his bedroom reading.
d. When he was a child, Luke would spend hours reading in his bedroom.

However, they can also:

2. Distance in reality, real to less real/unreal.

e. I am meeting him now. (Real).

f. If I meet him personally, it may/might be better. (Possible.)
g. If I met him personally, it might be better. (Less likely.)
h. If he was/were here now, we could discuss it. (Unreal - He is not here now.)

i. I have a care. (Real)
j. If only I had a car. (Unreal -I have no car.)
k. I wish I had a car. (Unreal - I have no car.)

and:

3. Distance in directness, direct to indirect:

l. "I am tired.". (Direct speech.)
m. Lindsay said she was tired. (Reported, indirect speech.)

n. I wonder if you have a moment, please? (Direct.)
o. I wondered if you had a moment, please? (Less Direct.)

p. Will/Can you lend me £10? (Direct.)
q. Would/Could you lend me £10? (Less Direct.)

Mister Micawber · Answer

fivejedjon the so-called past tenses are actually distancing tenses.

Yes! A good phrase to remember!

CalifJim · Answer

AnonymousI think the difference is one denotes present hypothetical, whereas the other just states what one thinks presently.

Yes. I'm in complete agreement with Mr. Micawber's reply on this.

CJ

Modal verb "might" in the second conditional

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions