The Use of the Oblique Moods in Subordinate (Adverbial) Clauses of Purpose

Adverbial clauses of purpose are used to show the purpose of the action expressed in the principal clause. They are introduced by the conjunctions «lest», «so that».

1. In adverbial clauses of purpose introduced by the conjunction «lest» which has a negative meaning, the Suppositional Mood (the mood auxiliary «should» for all persons + Infinitive of the notional verb) is used. Subjunctive I is also possible:

e.g. I decided to go there at once lest she should change her mind.

He drew a plan for my sister lest she should lose her way.

Please, mark the place in the book lest he waste time looking for it.

2. If the adverbial clause of purpose is introduced by the conjunctions «that», «so that» the modal phrase «may/can + Infinitive» is much more common if the action in the principal clause refers to the Present or Future, and «might/could + the Infinitive» is used if the action refers to the Past.

e.g. I’ll cut sandwiches so that you may/can eat them in the train.

The mother cut them sandwiches so that they might/could eat them in the train.

The Use of the Oblique Moods in Adverbial Clauses of Concession

1. Adverbial clauses of concession are introduced by the conjunctions and connectives «though», «although», «however», «no matter», «whatever», «whoever». The modal verb «may/might» followed by the Infinitive is usually used.

e.g. 1) Though he may be tired,

Tired though he may be, } he’ll go to the concert.

No matter how tired he may be,

However tired he may be,

2) Whatever obstacles may arise, we shall not give in.

3) I’d like to do some good to you and уour husband, whoever he may be.

If the action in the subordinate clause is prior to that of the principal clause the Perfect Infinitive is used after the modal verb:

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

Note: The Indicative Mood is used when the action or state is considered as an actual fact and not as something supposed:

e.g. Cold though it may be, we shall go to the skating-rink.

Cold as it is, she shall go to the skating-rink.

2. If adverbial clauses of concession are introduced by the conjunctions «even if», «even though», Subjunctive II (Present and Past) forms of notional verbs are used in the adverbial clauses. The Conditional Mood (Present and Past) forms are found in the principal clauses. Generally, the use of the Oblique moods in such sentences is similar to the use of the Oblique Moods in complex sentences with the subordinate clauses of unreal condition.

e.g. Even if he had a chance to change something in his life, he wouldn’t do it.

The Use of the Oblique Moods in Adverbial Clauses of Time and Place

These adverbial clauses are introduced by the conjunctions «whenever», «wherever» have an additional concessive meaning, therefore the modal verb may/might with the Infinitive of a notional verb is usually used in the adverbial clause:

e.g. Whenever you may come, you are welcome.

Wherever she may live, she will always find friends.