Depending on the structure of the sentence the tenses express time relatively or absolutely.

In complex sentences the tenses of subjunctive II, the suppositional and the conditional moods are mostly relative tenses, i.e. they express the time with regard to the action of the verb in the indicative mood in the principal clause.

5.2.3.1. The present tenses show that the action of the subordinate clause is simultaneous with the action of the principal clause or follows it.

I wished he were less remote.

"I think it's time you got some sleep."

"It's very important, Charles, that I should make you understand this."

5.2.3.2. The past tenses show that the action of the subordinate clause precedes the action of the principal clause.

"Better you than the luckless Robert." "I wish it had been Robert. Mrs. Danvers will never forgive me."

He is thinking about Rebecca, I said to myself. He is thinking how strange it was that a wedding present to me should have been the cause of destroying a wedding present to Rebecca.

In simple sentences and in complex sentences with a clause of condition or concession the tenses of subjunctive II and the conditional mood are absolute tenses, i.e. they serve to refer an action directly to the present, past or future time.

5.2.4.1. The present tenses refer an action to the present or the future.

"If only there weren't so many other people in the world," he said.

But for his pension he would starve.

I should study the pictures in the gallery, Madam, if I were you, especially the one I mentioned.

5.2.4.2. The past tenses refer an action to the past.

You made me wear that dress last night. I should never have thought of it but for you. You did it because you wanted to hurt Mr. de Winter.

As she herself said, she only realized afterwards that even if someone had been crying in those wards the very thick abbey walls would have prevented her hearing it anyway.

"It was in all the New York papers. Did you read about it?" "If I'd read it I'd have called your mother sooner."

Date: 2015-04-20; view: 956