Comments on: The Subjunctive Mood http://www.dailywritingtips.com/the-subjunctive-mood/ Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:41:25 +0000 hourly 1 By: Nick http://www.dailywritingtips.com/the-subjunctive-mood/comment-page-1/#comment-331198 Nick Mon, 08 Nov 2010 07:12:46 +0000 http://www.dailywritingtips.com/?p=3317#comment-331198 I suggested that he EAT the food is correct. EATS is never correct in this situation. I suggested that he EAT the food is correct. EATS is never correct in this situation.

]]> By: nene http://www.dailywritingtips.com/the-subjunctive-mood/comment-page-1/#comment-278743 nene Sat, 08 May 2010 21:26:09 +0000 http://www.dailywritingtips.com/?p=3317#comment-278743 is it right to say"I suggested that he eat the food" or "I suggested that he eats the food" ? is it right to say”I suggested that he eat the food” or “I suggested that he eats the food” ?

]]> By: Nick http://www.dailywritingtips.com/the-subjunctive-mood/comment-page-1/#comment-268382 Nick Tue, 20 Apr 2010 17:31:01 +0000 http://www.dailywritingtips.com/?p=3317#comment-268382 Both are correct and then some. You can drop the "s" and be considered correct, but very pretentious English, which is best saved for a college paper. If you use "should" it is considered more correct than saying "if that makes it a true statement," but all of these are technically correct in the mixed subjunctive world of Modern English. Back in old and middle English, "if" would have always taken the subjunctive, but not necessary anymore. Both are correct and then some. You can drop the “s” and be considered correct, but very pretentious English, which is best saved for a college paper. If you use “should” it is considered more correct than saying “if that makes it a true statement,” but all of these are technically correct in the mixed subjunctive world of Modern English. Back in old and middle English, “if” would have always taken the subjunctive, but not necessary anymore.

]]> By: evanonsense http://www.dailywritingtips.com/the-subjunctive-mood/comment-page-1/#comment-235628 evanonsense Thu, 18 Feb 2010 15:47:51 +0000 http://www.dailywritingtips.com/?p=3317#comment-235628 Hi everyone, Can we say now that “If that make[s] it a true statement, then it’s a likely candidate for the subjunctive mood.” (omitting [s]) is wrong. While “If that should make it a true statement” or “Should that make it a true statement”. is correct? Or can we consider both to be correct? Hi everyone,

Can we say now that

“If that make[s] it a true statement, then it’s a likely candidate for the subjunctive mood.” (omitting [s])

is wrong. While

“If that should make it a true statement” or “Should that make it a true statement”.

is correct?

Or can we consider both to be correct?

]]> By: Nick http://www.dailywritingtips.com/the-subjunctive-mood/comment-page-1/#comment-193260 Nick Sat, 17 Oct 2009 17:59:59 +0000 http://www.dailywritingtips.com/?p=3317#comment-193260 Do you really want to know how moribund the subjunctive is? You are talking about it and I caught an error of present subjunctive that would only be expressed in formal writing: "If that make[s] it a true statement, then it’s a likely candidate for the subjunctive mood." This statement is a condition of uncertainty meaning, in very formal English, it should state, "if that make it a true statement" instead of "makes". You may ask why? Because "makes" is indicative, but you are not indicating anything; you are stating an uncertain condition. Here's a way to rewrite it out of subjunctive: "If that should make it a true statement" or "Should that make it a true statement". Sigh, the death of the subjunctive can even be found on forums that are meant to try to save it. Nevertheless, if you all be very didactic and do your homework, you shall see the errors for yourself. Do you really want to know how moribund the subjunctive is? You are talking about it and I caught an error of present subjunctive that would only be expressed in formal writing:

“If that make[s] it a true statement, then it’s a likely candidate for the subjunctive mood.”

This statement is a condition of uncertainty meaning, in very formal English, it should state, “if that make it a true statement” instead of “makes”. You may ask why? Because “makes” is indicative, but you are not indicating anything; you are stating an uncertain condition. Here’s a way to rewrite it out of subjunctive:

“If that should make it a true statement” or “Should that make it a true statement”.

Sigh, the death of the subjunctive can even be found on forums that are meant to try to save it. Nevertheless, if you all be very didactic and do your homework, you shall see the errors for yourself.

]]>