![]() ![]() And it is a backshifted verb due to being in an environment that typically expects backshifting of verbs, and that environment is due to the matrix verb being a past-tense verb (e.g. "I insisted that he apologises") would have had if it had been used instead. This means that it has the same meaning that the indicative present-tense verb form (e.g. And so, that indicative past-tense verb "apologised" is being used for its backshift use. irrealis "were", as in "If he were still alive. The example giving you problems, #5, is using an indicative past-tense verb form, not a past-subjunctive verb form (e.g. ![]() indirect reported speech usage), not its past time usage, nor its remote modality usage. "is" as in #4), or even an indicative past-tense verb form - BUT when an indicative past-tense verb form is used, it must be used for its backshift usage only (e.g. ![]() "be" as in #1, or "apologize" as in #2, etc.), or an indicative present-tense verb form (e.g. That mandative clause can be headed by either a present-subjunctive verb form (e.g. That subordinate clause is the mandative clause, and it describes the situation that the speaker or somebody thinks must happen (soon). the perspective of the speaker or somebody. It shows deontic modality, which is where a situation must come about w.r.t. "demand", "require").įor instance, for #1, I want the situation of him apologizing to be realized, that is, he must apologize. (I formatted the examples the way I assume the author probably meant for them to be.)įirst of all, all of your examples involve a mandative construction, where the subordinate clause describes a situation that the speaker or somebody wants to come about, and the construction will also have a mandative word (e.g. So am I wrong or is the book wrong? Should I be using a different book, people told me this was good lolz! It's kind of stated that the verb is in the past subjunctive, while it sounds to me that it's in the past indicative. So I typed in bold text (#5) the sentence I'm confused about. It’s essential that everyone is here on time. You can also use normal present and past forms:Ĥ. It is the same as the infinitive (without to). This form (be/do/apologise etc.) is called the subjunctive. What do you suggest we do? Many people are demanding that something be done about the problem. It’s essential that everyone be here on time. The following is taken from the book ENGLISH GRAMMAR IN USE (5th Edition) by Raymond Murphy: Why are units of measurement singular in compound adjectives, e.g. Why don't some contractions work in certain places? That is, why can't we answer the question "Is she coming?" with "Yes, she's"? Why do I sometimes see are with company or team names, as in "Apple are announcing a new iPhone"? ![]() Why do I sometimes hear constructions like needs washed or needs looked at? Is it "between you and me" or "between you and I"? How do I indicate possession when something belongs to two people? Should I use a or an before this word, acronym, or initialism? Looking for books about grammar, style and conventions? Check out our list of resources. Every top-level comment must accurately answer OP's question and provide a thoughtful, knowledgeable explanation based on evidence. r/grammar is a friendly and knowledgeable community dedicated to helping posters with questions about grammar, language, style, conventions and punctuation. ![]()
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