why is it correct? 'if you would like to...'

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
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Hi Everyone,

I have two questions about this sentence.

‘If you would like to come to my party, you can (or could?).’

  1. I think it’s a gramatically correct sentence, but I can’t understand why. I 've been always taught, that I can’t use ‘would’ in the ‘if’ clause. So why is it still possible here? Could you please explain the relevant grammar rule?

  2. And what is the correct use of the word in the other clause (can or could?).

thanx, Liza

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That’s an exception to the usual rule, Liza. The words ‘would like’ are used only as a nice or polite way of saying ‘want’. Your sentence is like a ‘first conditional’ (it might even be compared to a so-called ‘zero conditional’), so you should use ‘can’ in the second half of that sentence. If you wanted to be more formal, you could use ‘may’ instead of using the word ‘can’.

- If you would like to come to my party, you may.
- If you would like to come to my party, I’ll be happy to have you there.
- If you want to come to my party, please do.
.

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Hi, Amy

I also heard that this sentence:
If you will deign to listen to me I will explain why I’m late today.
is possible despite the fact that will is used in the if clause. It is said that this usage underlines my doubts about his willingness to listen to me
Do you agree with that ?

Thanks!

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I don’t know much about this but I remember that my English teacher told us that we can use “will” after “if” instead of the verb “to want”.
For example:
If you will follow me.
If you want to follow me.
Hope this helps

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