Can the French conditional tense have another function in formal French?

Answer 1

Yes. You could, for example, go into a baker's shop and say: "j'aimerais deux baguettes", meaning "I'd like two baguettes." Not exactly conditional tense in the sense that you actually do want the loaves, but as in English it puts it one remove away from you and makes it sound less brusque and demanding.

I'm not sure if that's what you had in mind.

Answer 2

Your question is a little vague. Please clarify by giving an example of what you might mean. I'm sure I can help.

If you refer, for instance, to the use of the conditional in a polite request (as opposed, say, to a direct order), then, yes, the French conditional mood/tense can also be used to express things in a more 'formal' fashion. This is akin to the way an English speaker might ask, "Would you close the door, please?" as opposed to "Close the door."

If you read French, check out the Wikipedia page referenced below, which nicely illustrates various uses of the "conditionnel."

Answer 3

Hiya Zack ! I can't answer your question but if you scroll to the bottom of this page their are flag's - click on the French Flag ( Red,white and Blue stripes ) and it will put you on the French site and the French then will give you the precise answer - Try it ,I've gotten three best there this week alone answering Questions involving English.x