Be as precise as

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On lot websites I see this:Write your question here. Be as precise as possible.What is the grammatical form and function of "be" here?Is it a subjunctive or a imperative and how do I know which one is which as both use the bare form of the verb?Thanks

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

JigneshbharatiWhat is the grammatical form and function of "be" here?Is it a subjunctive or a imperative

It is the imperative.

Jigneshbharatihow do I know which one is which as both use the bare form of the verb?

You must understand the context. You are being asked to do something.

BillJ · Answer

[1] Be as precise as possible. [imperative]

[2] It is essential that you be as precise as possible. [subjunctive]

As you say, both imperative [1] and subjunctive [2] constructions use the plain form of the verb functioning as predicator (head of the VP). But there are recognisable differences between the two constructions.

One obvious difference is that imperatives occur as main clauses, as in [1] , whereas subjunctives occur predominantly in subordinate (content) clauses functioning as complement to verbs, nouns and adjectives, as in [2].

Some other differences:

(i) In imperatives the subject is an optional rather than obligatory element whereas in subordinate subjunctives, a subject is obligatory.

(ii) Imperatives are typically directives such as orders and commands. Subjunctives can also invoke the concept of 'compliance', but it is a matter of bringing about the situation expressed in the content clause as opposed to actually issuing directives.

Incidentally, it's interesting that both imperative and subjunctive clauses are finite but tenseless!

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