The Subjunctive Mood in the object clauses
The use of the Subjunctive mood in the object clauses in different cases:
When the predicative of the principal clause is expressed by the verb
to wish
. If the action expressed
in the object 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:
e.g. I wish we were all as young as he.
He wished that Ronny were there
I wish it were all over.
He wished he had someone to talk to.
If the action expressed in the object clause is prior to that of the principal clause the Past Perfect of
the Indicative Mood is used:
e.g. I wish you had not put yourself to so much trouble.
The analytical subjunctive with the mood auxiliary would (for all persons)
is also used in object
clauses after the verb to wish. This form is used only in sentences referring to the present or future;
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it is possible only if the subject of the principal clause is not the same as the subject of the object
clause. It is chiefly used in sentences expressing request or annoyance:
e.g. I wish you would write to me.
I wish you would come and see us oftener.
Note: Sometimes also with nouns expressing lifeless things:
e.g. I wish the rain would stop for a moment.
The Subjunctive Mood is used in object clauses introduced by the conjunction
lest
if the predicate
of the principal
clause expresses
fear
.
Should
is used for all persons:
e.g. Doctor Brown was afraid lest Margaret should think the house bare and cheerless.
He trembled lest his secret should be discovered.
I am very much afraid that I shouldn’t be acceptable.
After verbs denoting fear object clauses are often introduced
by the conjunction that, in
which case the Indicative Mood is used often with modal verb may (might):
e.g. She feared that she might be blamed.
The Subjunctive Mood is used in object clauses
which the verb denote
order, recommendation,
suggestion, advice, desire
and etc., in the principal clause. The analytical subjunctive with the mood
auxiliary
should
is used (for all persons).
e.g. She proposed to my aunt that we should go upstairs and see my room.
The Gadfly had insisted that the work should be finished by the middle of June.
Here in this case the Present Subjunctive is used in American English:
e.g. Ernie
called him at the lab, suggesting that they get together and talk things over.
Ivory insisted that he be present in the most genuine and friendly fashion imaginable.