[Grammar] I would say

[sky3120]

I was really shocked when I heard that auxiliaries such as "could', "would", etc for politeness come from

subjunctive mood. But now I am trying to calm down and how it is possible and I really need your help.

So "Could you help me", "you could go now", "I would say", I would like to" ,and so on are used to express

"politeness". Then what "if clauses" is omitted in the sentences?

For example, "(If I were to express my opinion,) I would say~"

However, I can not guess what is omitted in "you could go now" and "I would like to". I think this is the most

difficult question I am desperate to know. Please, help me and give me your opinions. Thank you so much as usual

and have a good day.

 

[Barb_D]

If you wanted to leave, you could go now.

 

[5jj]

Don't worry about the subjunctive. We often use the so-called 'past tense' form of the modals to distance the situation in:

time: He will play for hours on his own
........He would play for hours on his own when he was younger.

........My cat can be very snooty at times.
.......The cat I had as a child could be very snooty at times

reality: I can see you tomorrow. (It's possible)
.... .. ...I could see you tomorrow. (It's theoretically possible)..... ......... ......... ...

.... .... I hope I can see her. (It's possible)
.. ... ...I wish I could see her. (It's not possible)

directness: Can you lend me £10, please? (Direct)
... .. ..........Could you lend me £10, please? (Less direct; more polite)

 

[sky3120]

Thank you. Could you sense any politeness in the sentence, "If you wanted to leave". In my non native English sense, it is not possible to feel it in "if clause" But I respect it the way English is and I almost got it. Thank you both so much!!