Subjunctive

Metamorfose · Post by **Metamorfose** » Thu Nov 13, 2003 1:25 am

Hello People

Who speak a latin-based language like me, talking about subjunctives is quite common, for we use and abuse of them a lot, but, when it comes to English there are people who claim that English has subjunctives in sentences like:

(1) If I were you, I would be here on time next Monday.
(2) I recommended that he go away now
(3) It's important that she set a new deadline.

So,may I say that English has subjunctive? Are there any other possibilities to make these sentences?

José

dduck · Post by **dduck** » Thu Nov 13, 2003 5:00 pm

Compared to latin languages, the English subjunctive is pretty feable. It think it generally considered to be disappearing from the English language. Americans, so I'm told, prefer to say "If I was you..." Some people will tell you, only fastidious speakers use "were" in this sentence.

If you want to read more here a link. It's a do-it-yourself encyclopedia, so if you see anything that needs changing your free to leap in an start editing.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subjunctiv ... in_English
Iain

Metamorfose · Post by **Metamorfose** » Thu Nov 13, 2003 11:16 pm

It's an extreme and utmost necessity that José learn how to deal with English Subjunctive.

In fact, I noted that I most use such structure with 'you'; "It's important that you come earlier tomorrow" and rarely do I use the verb 'be', that may be a reason that I haven't realised the presence of the subjunctive in such structures.

Anyway that was a nice recommendation of yours, Iain, I've accessed it and I'll print the matter sonner.

José

Tessa Olive · Post by **Tessa Olive** » Thu Nov 13, 2003 11:21 pm

The subjunctive does exist! According to Collins Cobuild 'English Grammar' when reporting suggestions that are followed by 'that' you can use a modal e.g. 'should'
Someone suggested that they should break into small groups.
You could also say:
Someone suggested that they break into small groups.
The second e.g. without the modal is called the subjunctive.
Other e.g. Her doctor advised that she get plenty of rest.
I insisted that he bring the children with him.
I demand that the sanctions be lifted at once.

Reporting verbs which can be followed by 'that' can use a modal or the subjunctive. They are:
advise, agree, ask, beg, command, decree, demand, direct, insist, intend, order, plead, pray, prefer, propose, recommend, request, rule, stipulate, suggest, urge.
Hasta luego!
Tessa.

Metamorfose · Post by **Metamorfose** » Sat Nov 15, 2003 1:50 pm

Tessa Olive wrote: Reporting verbs which can be followed by 'that' can use a modal or the subjunctive. They are:
advise, agree, ask, beg, command, decree, demand, direct, insist, intend, order, plead, pray, prefer, propose, recommend, request, rule, stipulate, suggest, urge.
Hasta luego!
Tessa.

Hallo Tessa, your post is very interesting, but, when one uses verbs like advise, ask, beg, urge don't they have to follow this structure?

(1) I advised her not to sign anything before consulting her solicitor.
(2) My parents asked me to come back at three.

May I infer that these verbs accept both forms?like: I advised that she don't sign ... or are there any other usages or nuances that I am not awere about?

José

dduck · Post by **dduck** » Sat Nov 15, 2003 3:45 pm

Metamorfose wrote:May I infer that these verbs accept both forms?like: I advised that she don't sign ... or are there any other usages or nuances that I am not awere about?

I advised that she not sign anything before consulting her solicitor.
No auxiliary required here.

Less formal (but still formal), we could say:

I advised her not to sign anything ....
Iain

Tessa Olive · Post by **Tessa Olive** » Mon Nov 17, 2003 8:37 am

Metamorfose, what dduck said. The examples I gave sound quite formal and I would tend to use the two examples that you gave. However, it is possible to say something like
I advised that she seek medical attention immediately.
Ate logo!
Tessa!

Metamorfose · Post by **Metamorfose** » Mon Nov 17, 2003 3:27 pm

Iain and Tessa thank you very much on the support you gave me.

Até logo!

José