Практическая грамматика

§ 14. The Subjunctive Mood is used in attributive appositive clauses modifying the nouns wish, suggestion, aim, idea, etc. The analytical subjunctive with the mood auxiliary should (for all persons) is used.
Orders were given that we should start at nine.
A resolution was passed that all should take part in the work.
His wish that everybody should take part in the work was reasonable.
§ 15. The Subjunctive Mood is also used in attributive clauses modifying the noun time in the principal clause: It is time, It is high time. In this case 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.
It’s time we got out. (Cusack)
Нам пора выбираться.
Clearly, it’s time someone gave you a bit of advice. (Snow)
Ясное дело, пора кому-нибудь дать тебе совет.
I suppose it’s time I made up my mind. (Snow)
Я полагаю, мне пора принять решение.
Now then, children. It's high time you were washed and
dressed. (Mansfield)
Ну, дети, давно пора умываться и одеваться.
The analytical subjunctive with the mood auxiliary should is also possible, though less common.
It is high time that you should be known. (Cronin)
Давно пора, чтобы тебя узнали.
§ 16. Should may have a peculiar function– it may be used for emotional colouring. We call it the emotional should. Here we always find the analytical subjunctive with the mood auxiliary should+ Indefinite Infinitive (if the actions are simultaneous). If priority is expressed the Perfect Infinitive is used.
In this case the Subjunctive Mood is rendered in Russian by the Indicative Mood.
The emotional should occurs in different kinds of subordinate clauses. We find the emotional should in the following cases:
a) In object clauses after expressions of astonishment, incredulity, regret, joy, surprise:
It is strange I should never have heard him even mention
your name. (Austen)
Странно, что я никогда даже не слышала, чтобы он упоминал ваше имя. .
It is impossible that she should have said it.
He может быть (невозможно), чтобы она это сказала (не могла она это сказать).
He was little surprised that Ann should speak so frankly about it.
I am sorry that you should think so badly of me.
It is absurd that such things should happen to a family like theirs.
In the principal clause we can also find such expression as it is wonderful (natural, singular, terrible, monstrous, odd); it infuriated (outraged, startled, surprised, puzzled) me; it struck me as funny, etc.
b) Sometimes the same attitude may be expressed in the principal clause by a noun with the same meaning: wonder, pity, shame, etc.
He is such a charming man that it is quite a pity he should be so grave and so dull. (Austen)
Он такой чудесный человек; как жаль, что он такой серьезный и скучный.
c) The Subjunctive Mood with the emotional should may also occur:
1. In rhetorical questions beginning with why: