4.101 use in complex sentences

Modals have special uses in three kinds of complex sentence:

* they are used in reported clauses

• Wilson dropped a hint that he might come.
• I felt that I would like to wake her up.

* they are used in conditional structures

• If the bosses had known that he voted liberal, he would have got the sack.
• If only things had been different, she would have been far happier with George.

For more information about these structures see paragraphs 8.25 to 8.42.

* they are used in purpose clauses.

• He stole under the very noses of the store detectives in order that he might be arrested and punished.
• They marched us through the town, so that they could say to the people, 'Look at the great British army.'

For more information about these structures see paragraphs 8.47 to 8.48.