Is simple past in this sentence a subjunctive?
Advanced Grammar in Use: Third Edition by Martin Hewings, Published by Cambridge Press, Copyright 2015, Unit 10 page 20.
We use the present simple, not will, to refer to the future —
when we talk about possible future events with suppose, supposing, and what if at the beginning of a sentence. Note that the past simple can also be used with a similar meaning.
Suppose we miss the bus — how will we get home? (or Suppose we missed . . . )
When simple past is used, is that a subjunctive? I have a hunch that it is. Can someone please comment.
I need to brush up on my subjunctives.
Top answer
MountainHiker When simple past is used, is that a subjunctive? I think it used to be taught that way many years ago, but I doubt that anyone is teaching it like that anymore. ).
- MountainHiker When simple past is used, is that a subjunctive?
- I think it used to be taught that way many years ago, but I doubt that anyone is teaching it like that anymore.
- ).
- It avoids all the confusion, not to mention angst, associated with the fact that the past simple and the past subjunctive share the same form.
- CJ
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MountainHikerWhen simple past is used, is that a subjunctive?
I think it used to be taught that way many years ago, but I doubt that anyone is teaching it like that anymore. Now we just say that you can use the past instead of the present in environments like that (suppose, etc.). It avoids all the confusion, not to mention angst, associated with t
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