http://www.economist.com/blogs/prospero ... -grammar-0
Here's a nice piece on how to use the subjunctive, with an example of how mis-using it makes a serious change to the meaning of what is said.
On the Subjunctive
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On the Subjunctive
Life is like playing chess with chessmen who each have thoughts and feelings and motives of their own.
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Re: On the Subjunctive
Were I to venture an opinion ....
It is dark at night, but the Sun will come up and then we can see.
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Re: On the Subjunctive
They author does not consider what I find to be the most common use of the subjunctive mood. "If I were to be interrupted in the next hour, I might become very angry."
Expressions that are either wishes or possibilities for the future often employ "if" and "were."
The conjunction "that" can often be dropped to make for more tight writing. Whether to include "that" is decided by clarity and the sound in the sentence.
Expressions that are either wishes or possibilities for the future often employ "if" and "were."
The conjunction "that" can often be dropped to make for more tight writing. Whether to include "that" is decided by clarity and the sound in the sentence.
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