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Mr1bin Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

God defend New Zealand

I saw the name of the NZ national anthem. Shouldn't it be God defends New Zealand?
  

Top answer

No, it is an example of the formulaic subjunctive: '[Would that] *** defend NZ'.

— Mister Micawber

  • No, it is an example of the formulaic subjunctive: '[Would that] *** defend NZ'.
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1 Answers
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No, it is an example of the formulaic subjunctive: '[Would that] *** defend NZ'.
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