Simple sentence
What Oblique moods can be used in simple sentences? – SII, SI, the CM, the SM.
SII:
exclamatory sentences beginning with Oh, that…, If only… (express regret);
simple sentences with modal verbs (the modal verbs are in SII). In the sentences referring to the present or future the modal verb in Subjunctive II is followed by a non-perfect infinitive, in the sentences referring to the past — by a perfect one;
with modal phraseological expressions had better, had best, would rather, would sooner. (express preference or advice).
SI:
a few set expressions as a survival of old usage (the so-called formulaic expressions). They may express a wish (can be replaced by may + infinitive) or have a concessive meaning (can be replaced by let + infinitive);
sentences expressing a command or a request with an indefinite pronoun as the subject (can be replaced by let + infinitive).
The CM:
with an adverbial modifier of condition expressed by a but-phrase;
with implied condition;
to sound polite, the perfect CM expressing the highest degree of politeness.
The SM: interrogative sentences beginning with ‘And what if…?’
Translate into English
Мы обязаны выполнить задание, чего бы это ни стоило We must do the task cost what it may.
Мне все равно, будь что будет I don't care, come/happen what may.
Да чтобы я еще раз его попросил помочь. Far be it from me to ask him for help ever again.
Никому не двигаться! Everybody not move!
Да благословит вас Господь! God bless you!
Черт его побери! The devil take him!
Достаточно сказать, что он трус и лжец, чтобы стало ясно, почему ему не стоит доверять. Suffice it to say that he is a coward and a liar to make it clear why one should not trust him/he shouldn't trust him.
Я бы никогда не сделал ничего подобного, Боже упаси! I would never do anything like that, God forbid!
Что ж, если ты действительно этого хочешь, да будет так. Well if you really want it, so be it.
Пусть кто-нибудь заставит его замолчать! Somebody make him shut up/fall silent!
Если бы не его помощь мы бы никогда не смогли вовремя закончить работу.We would not have managed to finish our work, but for his help.
А что если преподаватель болеет и не придет на занятие? And what if the teacher should be ill and should not come to the class?
Principal clauses of a complex sentence
The CM is used in the principal clauses of the complex sentences with the subordinate clauses of unreal condition or unreal concession (where Subjunctive II is used). The choice of actual forms depends on the time reference of the actions.
1. If the unreal actions in both the principal and the subordinate clause relate to the present or future, the non-perfect forms of respectively the Conditional Mood and Subjunctive II are used:
I (forgive) should never forgive myself if I (profit) profited by his generosity.
2.If both the actions contradicting reality relate to the past, the perfect Conditional is used in the principal clause and perfect Subjunctive II in the subordinate one:
I would have gone (go) this morning, if I had been (be) able to get away.
3.The actions in the principal and subordinate clauses may have different time reference. Sentences of this kind are said to have split condition. The unreal condition may refer to the past (perfect Subjunctive II) and the unreal consequence to the present (the non-perfect Conditional):
If I (revise) had revised the material before the class, I (have) would have no problems doing the exercises now.
The unreal condition may refer to no particular time (non-perfect Subjunctive II) and the unreal consequence may refer to the past (perfect Conditional):
If I (be) were a genious, my life so far (be) would have been very different.
The modal verbs can, will, may are freely used in SII to express unreal actions both in principal and subordinate clauses of unreal condition/concession.