Teacher Discussion Forums

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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!

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

Até logo!

José