CHAPTER XIII THE VERB: SYNTAX 122. The indicative mode is now often used in prose where the subjunctive was formerly used. The old distinctions in form between these two modes have largely disappeared in modern English. The subjunctive active still has distinct forms for the second and third persons singular of the present and perfect tenses; and the passive uses the subjunctive forms of the copula. In all other forms the subjunctive is like the indicative. 123. The use of the subjunctive in independent clauses of wishing is illustrated in the following: 1. Peace be with you. 2. Heaven forefend. 3. May you always be happy. 4. Would I too were at home! Wish may also be expressed by a subordinate clause with that and the subjunctive; as, O that our voyage were over! The principal statement "I wish" is regularly omitted. 124. Exhortations are regularly expressed by the imperative of let followed by the infinitive; as, 1. Let us espouse this cause. 2. Let us devote ourselves to humanity. The subjunctive may be used in poetry or lofty language; as, 1. Espouse we this cause. 2. Devote we ourselves to humanity. 125. a. Conditions are expressed by the indicative when no doubt is implied. Present: If he is waiting, he is angry. Past: If the train was late, he was in time. Future: If you will explain the question, I shall understand it. b. The subjunctive is used when the supposition is doubtful or contrary to fact. 1. A doubtful condition takes the present subjunctive with future signification; as, (1) If he come, you will see him. (2) If this prove to be the truth, he will suffer for it. 2. The same condition may also be expressed with should and the subjunctive; as, If he should come, you would see him. 3. A condition contrary to present fact takes the past subjunctive; as, If he were present, you would not speak thus. The supposition implies that he is not present. 4. A condition contrary to a past fact takes the pluperfect subjunctive; as, If he had been present, you would not have spoken thus. The supposition implies that he was not present. 5. Condition may be expressed by the subjunctive without if, by having the verb precede the subject; as, (1) Were he present, you would not speak thus. (2) Had he been present, you would not have spoken thus. (3) Should he come, you would see him. 126. The subjunctive mode is used after the subordinate conjunctions that, lest, until, etc., to express purpose; as, 1. Judge not, that ye be not judged. 2. Let him be careful lest he fall. 3. We shall wait until the master come. This use of the subjunctive is rare. The auxiliaries may, might, should, and would may be used instead; as, 1. We did not judge, that we might not be judged. 2. Let him be careful that he may not fall. 3. He saw to it that all the relatives should be invited. 127. Concession is expressed by the subjunctive, if there is doubt as to the fact conceded; as, 1. Though he slay me, yet will I honor him. 2. Though the fight be long, yet we shall not yield. If the concession is given as a fact, the indicative is regularly used; as, 3. Though the day was hot, yet we traveled far. 4. Though you are my friend, I must tell the truth. 128. There are a few idiomatic uses of the sub junctive. Observe the following sentences: 1. It were better that that man should never cross my threshold. 2. It had been better had that man never crossed my old. thresh 3. I had better surrender than bring sorrow to so many. 4. He had rather surrender than fight like a man. 5. They had sooner pay the ransom than endure the sus pense. 6. You had better avoid further trouble. These uses of the subjunctive are colloquial but have much currency. The presence of the comparative words, better, rather, etc., indicate choice and therefore would is a better word for this construction; as, 1. It would be better, etc. 2. It would have been better, etc. 3. I would better surrender, etc. 5. They would sooner, etc. 6. You would better avoid, etc. 129. The subordinate conjunctions if, as if, though, although, unless, lest, that, except, before, etc., are regularly used to introduce the subjunctive, but they are not part of the verb form. EXERCISE 22 Parse each verb in the following sentences: MODEL: Judge not, that ye be not judged. Judge is a transitive or incomplete verb; active voice, present tense, imperative mode. It is singular number, second person, to agree with the subject, thou, understood. 1. Then Heaven tries the earth if it be in tune. 2. If James had not spoken of the game, no one would have thought of it. 3. Would it not be better to call a meeting? |