"might" or "may" in conditionals

Hmm... offhand, I don't see why one couldn't use "might" and first and second conditional sentences.

The simple past isn't often found in the "if clause" of conditional sentences. If the past tense appears at all in an "if clause," it is usually in the form of the perfect past or the simple past subjunctive.

Wow, Shapeless, don't you want to stop this being silly, giving vague answers? We DO have simple past in the "if clause":
If I had more money, I would lend you some.
This sentence refers to a present situation, not at all to a past one.

Now could you please consider my own question above? THANKS

In fact, the sentence refers to a conditional and/or improbable situation. Thus, the "if clause" in the above sentence isn't in the simple past at all, but the simple subjunctive past. I refer you here, particularly section 5.b.i.

It might not be the answer you wanted to hear, but by all means continue to call it silly if juvenile responses make you feel better.

Yes, you can use 'might'.

As to your second question, it's impossible to tell what "tense" should be used because we don't know the context that surrounds the situation. If a teacher is trying to make students decide without giving them enough info then that is unfair.

Let me use your example sentence from your next posting.

1. If I had more money, I might lend you some.

2. If I have more money, I might lend you some.

For #1 the meaning is [basically], "I don't have any more money, but if I did, there's a small chance that I would lend you some.

For #2 the meaning is [basically], "I may/might/could have some more money, and if I do, there's a small chance that I will/would lend you some.

You should always try to provide some example sentences if you can, Khorrami.




Khorrami, Shapeless was trying to help you with a difficult area of language and your remarks were, though you may not have realized it due to cultural differences, a bit too, shall we say, frank.

While grammars have not always been careful, the simple past is not actually used. The simple past FORM is used. I know the distinction may seem small but it is important.