Курсовая работа: The problems of the Subjunctive Mood in English

In the second type the condition refers to no particular time and the consequence to the past.

e.g. If he were not so absent-minded, he would not have mistaken you for your sister.

In sentences of unreal condition the modal verbs might and cold are often used; they fully retain their modal meaning and therefore they do not form the analytical subjunctive.

Here we have the group «modal verb + Infinitive» which forms a compound verbal modal predicate, whereas the analytical subjunctive forms a simple predicate.

e.g. I could have done very well if I had been without the Murdstones.

Would, when used in the subordinate clause of a sentence of unreal condition, is also a modal verb forming with the infinitive a compound verbal modal predicate.

e.g. If you would come and see us…, mother would be as proud of your company as I should be.

The conjunctions introducing adverbial clauses of condition are: if, in case, provided, suppose, unless, and some others.

e.g. Suppose he wrote to you, would you answer?

Adverbial clauses of condition containing the verbs had, were, could and should are often introduced without any conjunctions. In these cases we find inversion.

e.g. Should he come this way, I will speak to him.

The Subjunctive Mood is used in sentences expressing what may be understood as an unreal consequence, the condition of which is not expressed as such.

e.g. There was no piano… because it would have taken up much room.

· The Subjunctive Mood is used in adverbial clauses of purpose.

When a clause of purpose is introduced by the conjunctions that, so that, in order that, we find the analytical subjunctive with the mood auxiliary may(might) if the principal clause refers to the present of future; if the principal clause refers to the past, only the form might is used.

As has already been stated, the mood auxiliary may(might) retains in this case a shade of modality.

e.g. He got up, cautiously, so that he might not wake the sleeping boy.

If a clause of purpose is introduced by lest the mood auxiliary should (for all persons) is generally used. Lest has a negative meaning (чтобыне).

e.g. She opened the window lest it should be stuffy in the room.

· The Subjunctive Mood is used in adverbial clauses of concession.

Adverbial clauses of concession are introduced by the conjunctions and connectives though, although, however, no matter, whatever, whoever, etc. The analytical subjunctive with the mood auxiliary may (might) is generally used.

e.g. Though he may (might) be tired he will go to the concert.

If the action of the subordinate clause is prior to that of the principal clause the Perfect Infinitive is generally used.

e.g. However badly he may have behaved to you in the past he is still your brother.

· The Subjunctive Mood is used in adverbial clauses of time and place

after the conjunctions whenever and wherever ; in these cases the clauses have an additional concessive meaning.

e.g. Whenever you may (might) come, you are welcome.

· The Subjunctive Mood is used in adverbial clauses of comparison ( or manner) introduced by the conjunctions as if and as though ( the latter is more literary).

If the action of subordinate clause is simultaneous with that of the principal clause the Past Subjunctive of the verb to be is used; with other verbs the same meaning is expressed by the Past Indefinite of the Indicative Mood.