Subjunctive I and the suppositional mood represent an action as problematic but not as contradicting reality.

Yesterday a spokeswoman for Lady Thatcher denied that the meeting had been at her request, insisting that she had visited Downing Street "at Mr Blair's invitation": "It is not unusual that he should suggest that they have talks."

"Another thing you'll be told is how to get out of the aeroplane in a hurry, if we need to, right after landing. If that should happen, please act calmly but quickly, and obey instructions given you by any member of the crew."

Subjunctive I and the suppositional mood may be used to express necessity, order, request, suggestion, supposition, purpose, concession, etc.

They suggested that she adopt the baby as her own.

Smiling stewardesses parroted phrases like: "Government regulations require that we inform you." No mention was ever made of urgency, should the equipment be required for use.

I turned away, so that Frith should not see my face.

Tense distinctions.

Not all the oblique moods can express tense distinctions.

Subjunctive I has no tenses, the same form being used for the present, past of future time. Subjunctive I usually shows that the action of the subordinate clause follows the action of the principal clause, i.e. it expresses time relatively.

Success attend you! Long live King Edmund!

They suggested that she adopt the baby as her own.

"I suggest you move as many people as you can nearer the front (of the aircraft)."

5.2.2. Tense distinctions are expressed by subjunctive II, the suppositional and the conditional moods, which have two tenses: the present and the past.

I wish his grandfather were alive this day!

The small room looked as though it had been visited by a tornado.

"He would never have thought of it but for you."

But I looked away from him so he should not see my face.

Date: 2015-04-20; view: 1163