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2008 级 英语专业 《英语语法》课程
课
题
教学目的
2009 年
秋-春 两个学期
计划
Moods in English
时数
授课
6
类型
Help understand usages of moods in English
理论
附
教学重点
Subjunctive mood
或
教学难点
Verb forms and meaning changes
说
重要语言点
mood
patterns;
subjunctive
mood;
indicative
记
明
mood;
imperative mood; usages
I.
教
I. A Simple explanation
学 for middle-school teachers and students of English
A verb may be in one of three moods: the indicative mood, the imperative mood, and the
过
subjunctive mood.
The Indicative Mood is the most common and is used to express facts and opinions or to make
程
inquiries. Most of the statements you make or you read will be in the indicative mood.
The imperative mood is also common and is used to give orders or to make requests. The
Email box: [email protected] code: caozhixi
Presentation through guiding questions (5 minutes): What is
mood? What is subjunctive mood? How many moods are there in
the English verb?
II.
Practice (40 minutes) through reading and discussing questions
about meaning and moods of the English verb.
III.
Practice (30 minutes) through questions about meaning changes
and sentence pattern variations.
IV.
Summary (15 minutes) through discussions about usages of
English verb forms for different moods.
V. Detailed information about English moods and their semantic
relations.
（
）
imperative is identical in form to the second person indicative.
The subjunctive mood has almost disappeared from the language and is thus more difficult to use
correctly than either the indicative mood or the imperative mood. The subjunctive mood rarely
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appears in everyday conversation or writing and is used in a set of specific circumstances.
You form the present tense subjunctive by dropping the "s" from the end of the third person singular,
except for the verb "be".
Paints
present subjunctive: "paint"
walks
present subjunctive: "walk"
thinks
present subjunctive: "think"
is
present subjunctive: "be"
Except for the verb "be," the past tense subjunctive is indistinguishable in form from the past tense
indicative. The past tense subjunctive of "be" is "were".
Painted
past subjunctive: "painted"
walked
past subjunctive: "walked"
thought
past subjunctive: "thought"
was
past subjunctive: "were"
The subjunctive is found in a handful of traditional circumstances. For example, in the sentence "God
save the Queen", the verb "save" is in the subjunctive mood. Similarly, in the sentence "Heaven forbid",
the verb forbid is in the subjunctive mood.
The subjunctive is usually found in complex sentences. The subjunctive mood is used in dependent
clauses to express unreal conditions and in dependent clauses following verbs of wishing or requesting.
The subjunctive mood is used in a dependent clause attached to an independent clause that uses a
verb such as "ask," "command," "demand," "insist," "order," "recommend," "require"
"suggest," or "wish." The subjunctive mood is also used in a dependent clause attached to an
independent clause that uses an adjective that expresses urgency (such as "crucial," "essential",
"important," "imperative," "necessary," or "urgent").
Each of the highlighted verbs in the following sentences is in the subjunctive mood.
It is urgent that Harraway attend Monday's meeting.
The Member of Parliament demanded that the Minister explain the effects of the bill on the
environment.
The sergeant ordered that Calvin scrub the walls of the mess hall.
We suggest that Mr. Beatty move the car out of the no parking zone.
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The committee recommended that the bill be passed immediately.
If Canada were a tropical country, we would be able to grow pineapples in our backyards.
If he were more generous, he would not have chased the canvassers away from his door.
I wish that this book were still in print.
If the council members were interested in stopping street prostitution, they would urge the police
to pursue customers more vigorously than they pursue the prostitutes.
II.
ZHANG Zhengbang’s Book
On Subjunctive Mood
There are two forms of the subjunctive: be-subjunctive and were-subjunctive. The present
lecture will dwell on the uses of these two subjunctive forms--remnants of Old English--expressing
hypothetical and non-factual meanings.
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BE-subjunctive
The be-subjunctive, like the imperative, is realized by the base form of the verb. Whatever the
person of the subject, the predicator invariably takes the base form. Consequently, where the clause has
a plural subject, there is normally no distinction between indicative and subjunctive forms, except for
the verb be. The subjunctive form of be is be for all persons. The be-subjunctive is used:
1) In certain that-clauses
The be-subjunctive is commonly used in that-clauses to express a command, decision, suggestion,
etc. These that-clauses usually occur:
a) after such verbs as decide, decree, demand, insist, move, order, prefer, propose, recommend,
request, require, suggest, vote, etc, eg:
He ordered that all the books be sent at once.
We propose that somebody neutral take the chair.
b) after such adjectives as advisable, appropriate, desirable, essential, fitting, imperative,
important, impossible, necessary, obligatory, proper, etc, eg:
It is essential that all the facts be examined first.
It is necessary that he come back without delay.
c) after such nouns as decision, decree, demand, instruction, order, requirement, resolution, etc,
eg..
The board has given instructions that the agent fly to Boston.
We were faced with the demand that this tax be abolished.
This use of the be-subjunctive is quite common in formal style, especially in American English.
This subjunctive form can sometimes be replaced by "should + infinitive" or to-infinitive, e.g..
He ordered that the books be sent at once.
= He ordered that the books should be sent at once
= He ordered the books to be sent at once.
2) In certain adverbial clauses
The be-subjunctive is also used in adverbial clauses introduced by if, though, whatever, so long
as, whet~her , lest, etc, e.g.-
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If the rumor be true, everything is possible.
Quietly we sat on the river bank lest the fish sw/m away.
Whatever be his defense, we cannot tolerate his disloyalty.
This use of the be-subjunctive is limited to formal style, while in informal style the indicative
mood or "should / may + infinitive" are used instead. Compare:
If the rumor is true, everything is possible.
He hid himself in the bush lest he should be seen.
Whatever his defense may be, we can't tolerate his disloyalty.
3) In certain formulaic expressions
The be-subjunctive is also used in some formulaic expressions to express a wish, prayer, curse,
etc. The formulaic use of the be-subjunctive tends to be formal and old-fashioned in style, eg.
Long live the People's Republic of China!
God bless you!
So be it.
Far be it from me to spoil the fun.
2
WERE-subjunctive
The were-subjunctive has only one form were, which applies to subjects of all persons, but
which formally contrasts with the indicative form was only when it is used with first and third person
singular subjects. The were-subjunctive is hypothetical or unreal in meaning and is used:
1) In certain adverbial clauses
The were-subjunctive is commonly used in adverbial clauses introduced by if, if only, as
if, as though, though, etc to denote an unreal condition or concession, eg:
If I were you, I should wait till next week.
If only I were not so nervous.
He behaves as though he were better than us.
Though the whole world were against me, I would do what I consider as right.
2) In certain nominal clauses
The were-subjunctive is also used in nominal clauses after verbs like wish, would rather,
suppose, imagine, etc to denote a hypothetical situation, eg:
I wish it were spring all the year round.
I'd rather I were not at the site of the accident.
Suppose the earth were flat.
It must be noted that in present-day English, the were-subjunctive with first and third
person subjects is often replaced by the indicative was in less formal style. Compare:
I wish it was spring all the year round.
I'd rather I wasn't at the site of the accident.
The were-subjunctive is obligatory, however, in the set expressions "as it were" ( = so to
speak) and "if I were you", as well as in non-introduced conditional clauses with inverted word order,
eg..
He is my best friend, my second self, as it were.
Were I to do it, I should rely on you.
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Some few notes on ways of expressing hypothetical meanings
4
Modern English has a number of devices for expressing hypothetical meanings. In
addition to the be-subjunctive and the were-subjunctive, we can use past tense forms of verbs and past
tense modals for the same purpose.
1) Use of past tense forms of verbs
The past tense forms of verbs are usually used to express hypothesis in the following
contexts.
a) It is time (that) ... :
It is time (that) we left this place.
It is high time (that) you made up your mind.
b) I would rather (that) you / he ... :
I'm sure he is keeping something back. I'd rather~ he told me the truth.
They offered me this expensive wine, but frankly I'd rather they had offered me some
beer.
c) If only ... :
If only I knew her address.
If only she had listened to my advice.
d) ... as if / as though ... :
He behaves as if he owned this place.
The woman talked eloquently about the accident as though she had witnessed the whole
thing.
They are staring at me as if I was / were crazy.
e) I wish (that) ... :
I wish the sun was shining at this moment.
I wish I hadn't eaten so much last night.
2) Use of past tense modals
The past tense modals are commonly used to express hypothesis in the following
contexts.
a) In conditionals:
If I were you I would not miss this opportunity.
If he be found guilty he would be sent to prison.
If she had been invited, she would have attended the meeting.
If they had caught the early train, they would have been here by now.
If you should change your mind, do let me know.
If he should refuse to appear in court, he might be held guilty.
b) In implied conditionals:
But for his help, I couldn't have achieved anything.
Anyone who should do that would be laughed at.
In different circumstances, I might have agreed.
This same thing happening in wartime would amount to disaster.
c) In other contexts..
That she should forget me so quickly was rather a shock.
That I should see a college student arrested for stealing!
Oh that I could see him again!
= I wish that I could see him again.
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Would that she could see her son now!
= If only she could see her son now!
Would that the flood might never come again!
To think that he would marry such a nasty woman!
To think that he should have deserted his wife and children!
Who would have thought that things should come to such a tragic end?
Who would have thought that the man living next door should be a hidden terrorist?
The door was pushed open; who should come in but the woman they were talking about.
He stepped into a cave and what should he see but a tigress with her baby tigers.
III. ZHANG Keli’s Book
on Moods in English
1
The Present Subjunctive or Present Indicative Forms in Conditional, Concessive and
Purpose Clauses
In English there are two kinds of subjunctive mood: the present subjunctive and the past
subjunctive. The present (or: be- type) subjunctive mood refers to the infinitive without to while the
past (or: were- type) subjunctive mood stands for the past form of the verb. As for the past perfect
aspect, should+bare infinitive, should +perfect infinitive, would +bare infinitive and would +perfect
infinitive are not called subjunctive mood but the usage concerning modal verbs in the past form.
1.1
Conditional Clauses
(1) The main and the conditional clauses in the same mood.
This is usually the case: either in the indicative mood or the subjunctive mood. For example, If you
touch me, I’ll scream. If the sky falls, we shall catch larks. If you touched me, I’d scream. If the sky were
to fall, we should catch larks.
(2)
The main clause disagrees with the conditional clauses.
Sometimes the main clause and the conditional clause don’t agree with each other in mood. This is
called conditions in mixed-mood. The following are three kinds of sentences with conditions in mixed
mood, (a) with the weakest likelihood and (c) with the strongest likelihood:
(i) About the future:
(a) If he should(=Should he) take a vacation, it will be in August.
(b) If he take a vacation, it will be in August.
(c) If he takes a vacation, it will be in August.
(ii)About indefinite time:
(a)If the server should(=Should the server) serve a fault twice, he shall lose a point.
(b) If the server serve a fault twice, he shall lose a point.
(c)If the server serves a fault twice, he shall lose a point.
(iii) About the present:
(a) If this rumor should(=Should this rumor) be true, we cannot remain here.
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(b) If this rumor be true, we cannot remain here.
(c)
If this rumor is true, we cannot remain here.
When the main clause is imperative, “should +infinitive” or the indicative mood is likely. For example,
If anyone should misbehave/If anyone misbehaves in class, criticize him. If anyone should call/If anyone
calls, please say that I’ll be back at five.
1.2
Concessive Clauses
In complex sentences with concessive clauses the main and the concessive clauses usually agree
with each other: both in the indicative mood. For example, Though he is very old, he is still very strong.
(1)
The concessive clause and the main clause may not agree in mood. This happens when the
main clause is in indicative mood while the concessive clause may be either in the present subjunctive
mood, “should +bare infinitive” or the indicative mood of the present indefinite. For example, (a)
Though everyone should desert /Though everyone desert /Though everyone deserts you, I will not. (b)
Though he be /Though he is the President himself, he shall hear us.
The stronger form for though here is ever though/even if with even indicating the strong sense of
unexpectedness. For example, It is better to ask him even though he should refuse / refuse /refuses. He
will never be dishonest even though he should be /be / is reduced to poverty. Even if that should be /be
/is the official view, it cannot be accepted.
(2)
The disagreement between the main clause and the alternative conditional-concessive
clauses.
There are two kinds of conditional-concessive clauses: alternative （选择）conditional- concessive
clause and universal（普通） conditional-concessive clause.
When the main clause is in the indicative
mood, the alternative conditional-concessive clause may have verbs in the present subjunctive mood or
the present indefinite tense in the indicative mood. For example, Whether he succeed or fail/succeeds or
fails, we shall have to do our part. Whatever be the reasons for their action/ the reasons for their action
may be, we cannot tolerate such disloyalty.
Verbs in the present subjunctive mood without the conjunction may appear at the beginning of the
sentences. When Be appears, the subject appears too. But when other verbs appear, the subject may
disappear in modern English. This kind of subjunctive mood may be substituted by a clause in
indicative mood with the corresponding conjunction. For example, (a) The business of each day, be it
selling/whether it be selling/ whether it is selling goods or shipping them, is going on pleasantly. (b) Be
he friend or foe /Whether he be /is a friend or a foe, the law regards him as criminal. (c) Sink (I) or
swim (I), I shall undertake it./ Whether I sink or swim, I shall undertake it. I shall go rain (it) or shine
(it)./I shall go whether it rain(s) or shine(s).
（3）The disagreement between the main clause and universal concessive-conditional clauses.
Universal concessive-conditional clauses may either do without conjunctions or begin with the
verb in the present subjunctive mood. Whether such a clause begins with be or with other verbs, the
subject is needed. When this kind of clauses is substituted by other clauses, the present indicative mood
is needed. For example, Home is home, be it ever so homely /however homely it may be. There is no task
to bring me; no one will be vexed or uneasy, linger I ever so late/however late I may linger.
In clauses begin with the present subjunctive verbs followed by wh- clauses, when they begin with
be, the subject is needed; When they begin with other verbs, the subject is omitted in modern English
(i.e. the fronting of the main verb or the predication). But the wh- phrases that act as the subject of the
clause cannot be omitted. This kind of clauses has verbs in the indicative mood when substituted by
other clauses. For example, We cannot receive him, be he who he may /whoever he may be. I shall have
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to buy the coat, cost what it may /whatever it may cost. Come what may /Whatever may happen, we
must remain cheerful.
In clauses beginning with verbs in the present subjunctive mood followed by as- clauses, the
subject is needed when beginning with be while the subject can be omitted in modern English when
beginning with other verbs (i.e. the fronting of the main verbs in the clauses). For example, Be that as it
may (=However that may be), the gesture was a wise one. Detest (we) him as we may, we must
acknowledge his greatness=However we detest him, we must acknowledge his greatness. Get up (as)
early as he may, he will find the room ready =However early he may get up, he will find the room ready.
1.3
Clauses Denoting Negative Purpose
(1) Either the Present Subjunctive or Should + infinitive is likely in Lest- clauses & for fear
that-clauses denoting negative purposes, but Should + infinitive is more common and some other
structures with modal verbs are likely. For example, They built a stature of him lest people forget
(=should forget/ might forget) what he had done. He is keeping quiet for fear that he disturb (=should
disturb/may disturb) his father. From these examples we can learn that the putative should is used in
subordinate clauses and whether the main clauses are in the present or the past tense, the simple
infinitive (instead of the perfective infinitive) is needed after the modal verb should.
(2)
Either the Present Subjunctive or Should + infinitive is needed in in order that- clauses denoting
negative purpose. For example, They removed the prisoner in order that he not disturb (=should not
disturb) the proceedings any further.
In order that- clauses denoting affirmative purpose and so that- clauses denoting either positive or
negative purpose usually have should + infinitive. For example, The police issued a warning in order
that the public should be aware of the danger. The two students talked in undertones so that the teacher
should not overhear what they were saying.
(3)
Either Should + infinitive or indicative verbs are possible in In case- clauses, but in the
lest-clauses and for fear that-clauses the indicative verb is not allowed. For example, Lest/ In case the
wall should collapse, the evacuated the building. They evacuated the building in case (*lest/*for fear
that) the wall collapsed.
Other examples for this kind of subjunctive mood are as follows. Let us fight on, that future
generations (may) bless our memory. Let us fight on, though the world (may) be against us. Out task is
to deal with the customer’s complaints, however unreasonable they (may) be. God be praised =May
God be praised! Lord have mercy upon us=May Lord have mercy upon us! If Tom would tell (=were
willing to tell) me what he wants for his dinner, I’d cook it for him. I would be very grateful if you would
make the arrangements for me. I should be glad if you would do this. If you would like (= you want) to
come, I’ll get a ticket for you. If you would care (=you wish) to see the photographs, I’ll bring them
round some evening.
2.
Present Subjunctive or Indicative Verbs in that-clauses following adjectives, verbs and nouns.
The moods in the that-clauses depend on the adjectives, verbs or nouns in the main clauses. Some
need the subjunctive or subjunctive substitutes (i.e. should + infinitive), others need either the
subjunctive or the indicative verbs, and still others need indicative verbs only.
6.1
That-Clauses with adjectives
(1)
That-Clauses as Adjectival Complementation
(a) After wishful adjectives like anxious, eager, willing, the present subjunctive or more often other
subjunctive substitutes (ie. Should+ infinitive) are used in the that-clauses. For example, Are you
willing that he (should) be allowed to join? I am anxious that she (should) accept the offer.
8
(b) After such emotional adjectives as afraid, amazed, angry, glad, grateful, happy, hopeful, horrified,
proud, sad, sorry, surprised, thankful, the indicative verb (with certainty about the fact) or the putative
should (with some doubt about the fact) is needed (rather than the present subjunctive) in the
that-clause. For example, I am sorry that he should feel/ feels/*feel that way. I am amazed that you
should be/ are/*be here. I am surprised that your wifeshould object/ objects /*object. I am surprised
that he should feel /feels/*feel lonely.
(c)
After adjectives denoting the degree of confidence like afraid, aware, certain, confident, sure, only
the indicative verb is needed in the that- clauses. For example, I am afraid that it is true (*that it be
true). She was aware that she was in danger of life (*she be in danger of life).
(2)
That-Clauses as Ex-appositives to Adjectives
(a)
After adjectives (like advisable, appropriate, best, better, compulsory, crucial, desirable, essential,
fitting, imperative, important, impossible, improper, mandatory, necessary, obligatory, preferable,
proper, urgent, and vital) denoting requirement, recommendation, suggestion, decision, or intention, the
present subjunctive or the putative should is needed in the that- clauses. For example, It is strange that
they (should) feel so angry. It is desirable that we (should) provide for the poor at Christmas.
(b) After adjectives with other meanings only the putative should is needed in that-clauses. For
example, It is interesting that the play *be/ should be such a huge success. It is natural that he
*disagree / should disagree.
(c)
After emotional adjectives (like amazing, annoying, awkward, curious, disastrous, dreadful,
extraordinary, fortunate, frightening, irrational, logical, odd, peculiar, pleasing, sad, silly, surprising,
tragic, unfortunate, upsetting) either the putative should or the indicative mood is used in that-clauses.
For example, It is strange that she is /should be so late! It is amazing that he said/ should have said
nothing about the murder.
(d) After adjectives (like apparent, certain, clear, evident, implicit, indubitable, likely, obvious, plain,
possible, true, unlikely, untrue, well-known) denoting truthfulness or knowledge, only the indicative
mood is needed in that-clauses. For example, It is possible that he is / *be at home. It is evident that
you have been /*should have been drinking.
2.2
(1)
That-clauses Connected with Verbs
That-clauses as objects of verbs denoting demand or suggestion.
After persuasive verbs (like advise, agree, allow, arrange, ask, beg, command, concede, decide,
decree, demand, desire, determine, enjoin, ensure, entreat, grant, insist, instruct, intend, move, ordain,
order, pledge, pray, prefer, pronounce, propose, recommend, request, require, resolve, rule, stipulate,
suggest, urge, vote…) denoting requirement, recommendation, decision or intention, either the putative
should or imperative mood is used in that-clauses. For example, He proposed that Sir Francis (should)
be made a director. We intended that you (should) be invited.
Sometimes the indicative mood in that-clauses is also correct, especially in British English. For
example, People are demanding that she should leave/leave/leaves the company. I suggest6ed that he
should take /take/took legal advice.
In the same way as be sorry/anxious is used with that-clauses, after emotional verbs (like regret,
marvel, rejoice, wonder), either the putative should or the indicative mood is needed instead of the
imperative subjunctive mood in that-clauses. For example, The neighbours wondered that she
escaped/should escape/*escape. I regret that she worries/should worry/*worry about it.
(2) That-clauses as Ex-appositives after Verbs.
(a)
After verbs like amaze, astonish, interest, surprise, worry, the that-clauses as ex-appositives
9
should have either the putative should or the indicative mood. For example, It astonished us that such a
young musician should perform/performed so well. It worries me that you should be/are looking so
tired.
(b) After the past-participles like advised, decided, proposed, recommended, required, suggested, the
that-clauses as ex-appositives should have either the putative should or the imperative subjunctive
mood. For example, It is requested that she (should) go alone. It was suggested that Mr. Smith (should)
take the chair.
Sometimes the indicative mood is likely in this case. For example, It is decided that the meeting
should be/be/will be held next week.
(3) That-clauses after factual verbs.
That-clauses used as objects or ex-appositives after factual verbs usually have verbs in the
indicative mood. For example, He said that he was busy. He warned (her) that he couldn’t afford to
marry her. It was reported that she would leave England. I hope that you have/will have a good time. He
doesn’t believe that my intentions are serious.
Factual verbs are of two groups: The first group include those introducing indirect statements
(acknowledge, add, admit, affirm, allege, announce, argue, assert, bet, boast, certify, claim, comment,
complain, confess, confide, confirm, contend, convey, declare, deny, disclose, exclaim, explain, forecast,
foretell, guarantee, hint, maintain, mention, object, predict, proclaim, promise, prophesy, protest,
remark, repeat, reply, report, retort, say, state, submit, swear, testify, vow, warn, write…).
The second group includes those denoting the mental state (accept, anticipate, ascertain, assume,
believe, calculate, check, conclude, conjecture, consider, deduce, deem, demonstrate, discern, discover,
doubt, dream, establish, estimate, expect, fancy, feel, find, foresee, forget, gather, guess, hear, hold,
hope, imagine, imply, indicate, infer, insure, judge, know, learn, mean, note, notice, observe, perceive,
presume, presuppose, pretend, prove, realize, reason, recall, reckon, recognize, reflect, remember,
reveal, see, sense, show, signify, suppose, suspect, think, understand…).
2.3
(1)
That- clauses Connected with Noun Clauses
Used as Subject Complement
That- clauses used as subject complement after nouns (like advice, decision, decree, idea, motion,
order, proposal, request, requirement, resolution, suggestion) denoting requirement, recommendation,
decision and intention usually have putative should or imperative subjunctive mood. For example,
Their resolution is that a new library (should) be built next year. My suggestion is that you (should)
plant more trees in the streets. The idea (*The fact) is that the railways should be improved.
Sometimes, the indicative mood is likely in this case. For example, Our decision is that the school
should remain/remain/remains closed. Father’s orders are that you should be/be/must be home by 10
o’clock.
After other nouns than these, the that-clauses should have verbs in the indicative mood. For
example, The trouble is that all the shops are closed. His hope is that she will recover soon. The fact
(*the idea) is that the railways will be improved.
(2)
That- clauses used as (ex-)appositives after nouns.
That- clauses used as appositives after nouns (like advice, decision, suggestion, instruction…)
should have verbs in the imperative subjunctive or with the putative should. For example, I am for your
suggestion that he (should) go at once. We have received instructions we (should) meet twice a month.
Sometimes the indicative mood is likely in this case. For example, He gave orders that the
strangers be/should be/would be hospitably entertained.
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After other nouns than those mentioned above, the that-clauses should have verbs in the indicative
mood. For example, The news that we are having a holiday tomorrow is not true.
The same is the case with that-clauses used as ex-appositives. For example, It is your advice that
She (should) wait till next week. It is his greatest desire that his son (should) be a clergyman. It’s his
hope that she will recover soon.
Cf. It is a pity that he has to leave (=We know that he has to leave, which is a pity.) It is a pity that
he should have to leave (=Someone is suggesting that he should have to leave, which is a pity).
3 Past Subjunctive and Other Verb Forms used in Conditional Clauses, Sentences of Suppressed
Condition and Other Clauses
3.1
(1)
Condition in Subjunctive Mood
Verb-forms in Clauses of Mutual-time Conditions
Verb forms in such structures are relatively stable. Contrary to past fact, there is the past perfect in
the conditional clauses and the “would/should + perfective infinitive” in the main clause. Contrary to
present fact, there is the past subjunctive verb form in the conditional clause and the “would/should +
simple infinitive” in the main clause. Contrary to future supposition, there is the “should +simple
infinitive”, “were to + simple infinitive” or “past subjunctive” in the conditional clause and the
“would/should + simple infinitive” in the main clause. For example, If it had been so, I should have
been sorry. If we had wings like birds, we should not need planes. If you should ask/were to ask/ asked
me tomorrow, I would be able to give you the answer.
According to the requirements of meaning, other modal verbs like could or might are likely in the
conditional or the main clause. And the past continuous aspect is likely even in the conditional clause.
For example, If I could/were able to afford it, I would buy a boat. If Holmes was playing, Scotland
might win.
In nonstandard American English the past subjunctive is likely to stand for the past perfect in the
conditional clause contrary to the past fact. For example, If they invited/had invited her to the
conference, she would have attended. If he were/had been really interested in buying the property, he
would have made an offer before now.
(2)
Verb-forms of Conditional Sentences with Mixed-time.
Sometimes the conditional clause and the main clause are not of the same time. In this case, the verb
forms depend on the reality of time relations. For example, If you had taken my advice, you wouldn’t be
in a difficult position now. If he had passed his examination last year, he wouldn’t be taking it again in
June. If he looked so tired and sleepy, he would certainly have stayed up all night with the patient. If
you had eaten more for breakfast, you would not have been/would not be hungry now. If writing had
never been invented, we would have had/would have no books. If I had caught that plane, I would be
dead now/would have been killed/*would be killed.
(3)
Conditional Sentences with Mixed Moods
Conditional sentences with mixed moods show that the moods in the conditional and main clauses
may not agree with each other. Besides the situation in which there is “should + simple infinitive” in the
main clause and the indicative mood or imperative mood in the main clause, we may find a lot of other
situations in which there is “should + simple infinitive” or indicative mood in the conditional clause and
the indicative mood in the main clause. And we may find some situations in which there is the indicative
mood in the conditional clause and the subjunctive or indicative mood in the main clause. For example,
If you (should) have any difficulty in getting spare parts, I’ll help you. If all ingredients are mixed
properly, the soup would taste/tastes delicious. If he would only behave, there would be no further
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trouble. If you would be good enough to explain our proposal to him, I’m sure he’ll give it
consideration.
3.2
Sentences of Implied Conditions
Sentences with verbs in subjunctive mood but without (subjunctive) conditional clauses are called
sentences of implied conditions.
(1)
The subjunctive mood is in the context. For example,
Would you like some peas? (implied: if I offered you some)
I should have like to go with you. (implied: if I had been able to)
Actually, his chances were rather good, much better than they would have been earlier. (implied: if he
had had such chances)
I would hate to spend a night in a haunted house.(implied: if I had to)
Could/might (for the first person) and would (for the second and third persons) used in the direct
or indirect questions to show polite requests are also examples of such moods (if I were bold enough to
ask you…) as implied in the context. For example, Could I see you driving license? Might I ask you for
your opinion? I wonder if we could borrow some tea. Would you lend me fifty pence? I wonder if
someone would help me pitch this tent. To answer these questions, can/will are needed instead of
could/would. For example, “Could I ask your opinion?” “Certainly you can/*could.” “Would you lend
me sixpence?” “Certainly I wll/*would.”
(2)
The subject is the implied condition. For example, The adoption of this ideology would prevent
such a thing=If you adopted this ideology, it would prevent such a thing. To ease credit restrictions
at this stage would be unwise=If we eased credit restrictions at this stage, it would be unwise. It
would do no good at all to explain again=It would do no good at all if we explained again.
(3)
The adverbial is the implied condition. For example, Her father pays her fees. But for that, /If
it were not for that, she wouldn’t be here. Alone,/If she was alone, the girl would not have dared to
go there in a moonless night. He’d be stupid not to accept that offer/if he did not accept that offer.
This same thing, happening in war-time,/ if it should happen in war-time, would amount to
disaster. Born in better times,/If he had been born in better times, he would have done credit to the
profession of letters.
(4)
The implied condition is in the clauses after but or before or else or otherwise. For example, He
would have come yesterday, but he was busy/if he had not been busy. He was busy yesterday or
(else),/if he had not been busy yesterday, he would have come. He was busy yesterday;
otherwise,/if he had not been busy yesterday, he would have come.
(5)
The implied condition is in the relative clauses or nominal modifiers. For example, A man who
was full of conceit would fall behind=If a man was full of conceit, he would fall behind. Every
sympathy you had for the enemies would be sin=Every sympathy for the enemies would be sin if
you had. What would be thought of a painter who should mix/if he should mix August and January
in one picture? Anybody in such a position as I was would have acted as I did=Anybody would
have acted as I did if he had been in such a position as I was. A stronger boy would dare to
challenge the giant= A boy would dare to challenge the giant if he were stronger.
3.3
Other Clauses
(1)
If only… with past subjunctive mood to refer to indefinite time including the present, with past
perfect aspect or “would/could +perfective infinitive” to refer to the past, and “would + simple
infinitive” or sometimes with indicative mood to refer to the future. For example,
If only I were
young=I wish I were young! If only he didn’t snore= I wish he did not snore! If only she had known
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about it! If only I could have seen it! If only it would stop raining! If only he arrives in time!
If only… is the emphatic form of if… and is often put at the beginning of the sentence. For
example, If only I had more money, I could buy some new clothes. If only somebody had told us, we
could have warned you. If only you would help me next week, I would not be so nervous.
(2)
As if- clauses and as though-clauses
As if-clauses and as though-clauses have past subjunctive mood to show the state, have past
continuous aspect to show actions, and have past perfect aspect to show the action or state prior to those
of the main clause. For example, He talks /talked as if he knew everything. The director sat back as if he
was relaxing after a battle. He looks/ looked as if he had seen a ghost.
But sometimes the indicative mood is likely in these cases only with a difference in meaning. For
example, (He is not left-handed but) He writes as if he were lefe-handed. (He may be left-handed and
so) He writes as if he was left-handed. (He is left-handed and so) He writes as if he is left-handed.
(Perhaps she has finished the test, so) She looks as if she has finished the test. (Perhaps she was
leaving, so) She looked as if she was leaving.
Cf. I feel as if my head were/*is on fire.
(3)
It’s time with relative clauses
The relative clauses may have verbs in the past subjunctive or past continuous to show actions of the
same time as indicated by the main clause. But were is not allowed after subjects like I, He, She, or It.
For example, It’s time you went/were going. It’s time we left/were leaving. It’s time I was going/*were
going. It’s high time we got up/for us to get up.
(4)
Wish with that –clauses
(a) The that-clauses after wish have verbs in the past subjunctive or past continuous aspect to
show “regret”. And the same is the case when the present tense of wish is substituted by the past tense.
For example, I wish I knew his address =I am sorry I don’t know his address. I whish he was coming
with us=I am sorry he is not coming with us. I wished I knew his address=I was sorry I didn’t know his
address.
(b) The that-clauses after wish may also have verbs in the past perfect aspect to show “regret”. For
example, I wish I hadn’t spent so much money=I’m sorry I spent so much money. I wished I hadn’t spent
so much money=I was sorry I had spent so much money.
(c) The that-clauses after wish may also have “would + infinitive” to show volition or habitual
action or dissatisfaction. For example, I wish he would write more often=I am sorry he isn’t willing to
write more often. I wish he would wear a coat=I am sorry he refuses to wear a coat. I wish they would
change the menu (;I am tired of eating sausages). I wish you would help me (You should have helped
me). “Shall I help you to check the accounts?” “I wish you would (=I’d be glad of your help”.
(d) To show the collective planning of actions of the past, “would/could + perfective infinitive” is
used; To show the collective planning of actions of the future, “would/could + simple infinitive” is
used. For example, I wish he would die soon =If only he would die soon. Grace wishes that she did not
have a test tomorrow. I wish that you could/would have called yesterday. I wish to call on her more
often/*I wish I would call on her more often.
(5)
Would rather/would sooner/would just as soon with that-clauses.
In these structures, the past subjunctive mood is to refer to intentions about the future or the
present; and the past perfect aspect to refer to the past intentions. If the main clause and the subordinate
clause have the same subject, then the bare infinitive is needed instead. For example, I’d rather you
went now than tomorrow (=I’s as soon you went now as tomorrow). I’d as soon you drank Coca-Cola
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as orange juice. I’d rather you had given me a new one instead of having it repaired as you did. John
would rather not go(*he didn’t go) to class tomorrow. Mr. Jones would rather have stayed(*he had
stayed) home last night.
Would (that) and Oh that… may be used for exclamatory sentences with past subjunctive mood or
past perfect aspect. For example,
Would (that) I were there! (but I am not)
Would (that) we had seen her before she died!
Oh that I were there! (but I am not.)
Oh that we had seen her before she died!
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Imperative Sentences with Subjects
Imperative mood (Bare infinitives including passive voice, continuous aspect and perfect aspect
of the main verb) is used for the intentions of the speaker (including suggestions, demands, orders,
warning). Usually there is no subject. And sometimes there is no verb at all. For example, (a) Have a
good time. Give him an inch, and he’ll take a mile. Be guided by what I say. Be doing your homework
when your parents arrive home. Start the book and have finished it before you go to bed.
Good luck to
you! Down in front! Shame on you! Hats off!
The subject of the imperative sentence is usually the second person or the third person. For
example, Come here, will you? Behave yourselves. Use your head. Bless your heart! Confound it!
4.1
Imperative Sentences with Subjects
(1) With 2nd person subjects. For example,
Don’t tell me to be quiet. You be quiet!
You take this chair, and I’ll take that one.
You take that seat, John, and someone fetch a few more chairs.
You be (=must be) careful coming down that mountain.
You go up (=are to go up) there until you reach the bridge, then you turn right…
You be (=must be) quiet!
You mind (=are to mind) your own business and leave this to me!
You shut up (=must shut up)!
You boys drive fast =Drive fast, you boys=You girls do not drive fast, you boys drive fast.
You be quiet! Sit down, please (*You sit dow, please/Please, you be quiet)!
(2) With 3rd person subjects. For examples, God bless (=May God bless) you! Heaven help (=May
Heaven help) us! Oh, please, someone go and tell (=shall go and tell) her. Everybody stand up (=must
stand up). John (must) come here; the rest of you (must) stay where you are. Passengers (must) cross
the line by the footbridge. Parents with children go (are to go) to the front. Those whose names have
been called come (=are to come) to the next room. John and Mary stand (=are to stand) over there.
Somebody turn off the light, will you?/will they? And bring out my hat, somebody, will you?/*will
they? Everyone behave yourselves/themselves. Behave yourselves/*themselves, everybody.
Let Phillip have a look at it. Phillip had better have a look at it. Let them go by train. They had
better go by train. Let/May the joy be universal. Let/May the best man and woman win.
Attention is to be paid to ambiguity in some sentences. For example, Let him/them play=Allow
him/them play=He/they will play.
(3)
With 1st person Subjects. For example,
Let’s go outside. Let us all work hard. Let me have a look.
Let us take a walk, will you?
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Cf. Let’s take a walk, shall we?
Here there is ambiguity in the following sentence: Let me/us sing=Allow me/us to sing=I/We resolve to
or will sing.
4.2
Negative forms of Imperative Sentences. For example,
Don’t be afraid of them. Do not move out of the room without getting legal advice. Don’t you make
such a noise. Don’t you mention it to anyone. You mustn’t mention it to anyone. Let’s not say anything
about it. Don’t let’s say anything about it. Let’s don’t say anything about it. Don’t let anyone fool himself
that he can get away with it. Let not anyone fool himself that he can get away with it. Let no one fool
himself that he can get away with it. Let them not go by train. They had better not go by train.
Don’t come in/Do not come in. Don’t you come in/You don’t come in. Don’t anyone come in/No one
come in.
Notes:
1) Affirmative imperative sentences may have tag questions at the end of them. Either the positive or
the negative tag question is used to show hopes for an agreement. Negative imperative sentences may
also have tag questions after them but only have will you or can you. For example,
Clean the blackboard, will you? (strong request)
Clean the blackboard, won’t you? (hesitant request)
Don’t disturb the baby, will you/can you?
Don’t disturb the baby, *won’t you?
2) Either Always or Never is likely for imperative sentences and declarative sentences are likely for the
imperative mood. For example,
Always remember to smile. Never open the front door without looking through the peephole.
Suppose John calls?
3) Do is likely to be used for emphasis. For example,
Do be quiet! Do have a chocolate biscuit. And now, please do stop crying.
4) “be + Adjective” is used to show a change instead of a state. The negative form is “don’t”. For
example, If you don’t be quiet, I’ll kill you. Why don’t you be a good boy and sit down, as your mummy
told you?
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