In simple sentences
In simple sentences Subjunctive II expresses:
advice:
|
Somebody had better |
do something |
|
not do something |
You had better do it at once.
You had better not tell her about it.
He had better wait here.
Somebody had better go to the library for the dictionary.
preference:
|
Smb would rather (sooner) had |
do something |
|
not do something |
I had much rather not interfere.
She would rather stay at home.
She is not at all musical. She would much rather see a good film.
wish:
|
If only Oh, if Oh that |
somebody |
were something did something |
|
had been something had done something |
If only your mother could see you now!
If only he gave me a job!
Oh, if I had this chance!
Oh, that I were young again!
Oh, if she might get there in time!
If only I had told her the truth!
If only I could help you!
Oh, if it were not so dark!
The modal verbs have no special forms for the oblique moods. They have only one form – the form of Subjunctive II:
could do could have done
might might
In complex sentences
In subordinate clauses of unreal condition after the conjunctions if, even if, even though, in case, provided, suppose, unless.
|
If Even if Even though In case Provided Unless |
somebody said something,
|
smb would do smth |
|
somebody had said smth., |
I/we should have done smt He/she would have done something |
If you knew him better, you would not think so.
Ifyou had gone there, you would have seen him.
Even ifnobody objected, I should not believe it.
They wouldn’t lose the game if there were no rain.
Even thoughI could help you, I shouldn’t go against my conscience.
Suppose he wrote to you, what would you answer?
In attributive clauses in the following pattern:
|
It is high time It was high time |
somebody did something |
It’s time somebody told her.
It’s time he were here.
Well, it’s about time you started packing.
High time she knew all about it!
In object clauses after the verb wish.
|
I / we |
wish wished shall wish |
I knew it for sure.
|
|
I had known it for sure.
|
Iwishyouknewhim. – Жаль, что вы его не знаете.
Iwishyoudidn’tthinkso. – Жаль, что вы так думаете.
Iwishhecame. – Хотелось бы, чтобы он пришел. (Жаль, что он не пришел,)
Wewishedhegotoffthebus. – Нам хотелось, чтобы он сошел с автобуса.
Iwishyouhadcomewithus. – Жаль, что вы не пришли с нами.
I wish you had not refused. – Жаль, что вы отказались.
You will wish you had bought the dictionary. – Вы пожалеете, что не купили словарь.
To make the sentence more emphatic you can use the modal phrase would +infinitive after an expression of wish. But this may be done only if the subjects in both clauses are different and if the wish refers to the present or future. Would +infinitive is esd when the fulfilment of the action depends on the will of the person addressed.
I wish you would go there at once.
I wish you would not interfere.
Modal verbs can and may are also used after the expression of wish in the form of Subjunctive II – could, might.
IwishIcouldgotoo. – Жаль, что я тоже не могу пойти.
Weallwishedhemightwin. – Мы все желали, чтобы он победил.
In predicative clauses after the link-verbs look, feel + the conjunctions as if, as though.
|
to look |
as if |
somebody did something |
|
to feel |
as though |
somebody had done smth. |
She looks as if she knew something.
He felt as if he didn’t know her.
She felt as if she had long known him.
The boy looks as if he were ill.
In adverbial clauses:
of purpose introduced by the conjunction so that, in order that.. Here Subjunctive II of the modal verbs may and can – might and could are usually used.
She opened the window so that we might (could) get fresh air.
of concession introduced by the conjunction whatever, whoever whenever, wherever, however, though, although etc. Here Subjunctive II of the modal verb may – might is often used.
Though he might be tired, he goes on working.
No matter how tired he might be, he goes on working.
Whatever obstacles might arise, he will overcome everything.
of comparison or manner introduced by the conjunctions as if, as though (the latter is more literary than the former). If the action of the subordinate clause is simultaneous with the action of the principal clause, Subjunctive II present is used.
She speaks as if she didn’t know him.
If the action of the subordinate clause is prior to that of the principal clause Subjunctive II past is used
|
you he she we they |
speak speaks spoke will speak |
as if as though |
you knew it for sure |
|
you had done something long ago |
Note: Clauses containing the verbs were, had, should could are often introduced without any conjunction, i.e. asyndetically. In such sentences we find inversion.
Had he stayed at home, he wouldn’t have been run over.
Should he come with you, tell him about it.
Were you present at the meeting, you would take part in the voting.
Could you help him he would finish his work on time.