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I have heard these type of sentences

1) I would like to invite Mr.Ram to the stage

2)I would like to thankyou

Why would is used in these sentences? Are they hypotetical ? Are the conditional, with some implicit or unstated condition?

ramteja guthikonda
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1 Answers1

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In terms of formal syntax, OP's examples are indeed "hypothetical", but that's not really the intended meaning. In such contexts, modal verbs and subjunctives are primarily intended to "distance" the speaker from both the utterance itself, and the verbal interaction within which it occurs.

That's to say, these forms are used when the speaker doesn't want to appear "personally" involved. Often the implication is that the speaker's opinions are not "worthy" of being voiced (through false modesty, genuine deference, or simply convention). Thus...

1: (boss speaking to underling - speaks plainly / bluntly)
Your plan won't work
2: (Underling speaking to boss - speaks deferentially / obliquely)
If you were to ask me, I would have to say your plan might not work

I don't know if it's based in reality, but sterotypically the Japanese are particularly mindful of this kind of "deference to social superiors". No cultural slur is intended here obviously, but I think I could reasonably extend those examples with...

3: (Japanese underling speaking to boss - speaks very deferentially / obliquely)
If you were to ask this one, he would have to say your plan might not work

TL;DR: It would be more accurate to say OP's examples are deferential, rather than hypothetical.

FumbleFingers
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  • so in restaurants if we say "I would like to have some lunch" to waiter. It is just used to show modesty (false modesty) ? But it's underlying conditin is If you were to ask me, I would like to have some lunch. (although it is not the intended meaning). Anyway thankyou very much for your help. I almost got it. This is the best expplanatin I have seen – ramteja guthikonda Nov 27 '19 at 09:06
  • what about "Would you like a starter?". What is the underlying condition in this. How does this become polite way of asking? Should I ask how does this become polite way of asking or How would this become polite way of asking? – ramteja guthikonda Nov 27 '19 at 09:17
  • Would you like a starter? is essentially the same as, say, Would you like to follow me to your table? It's not particularly meaningful to ask what exactly *is* the implied conditional, but how about *IF you were prepared to lower yourself to respond to me your humble servant, WOULD you accept my suggestion?* But don't take that *too* literally - it's more about established social conventions than true "meaning". – FumbleFingers Nov 27 '19 at 12:48