Present subjunctive

Question

HelloAre these uses of present subjunctive correct?Can you tell me if there are any other uses of present subjunctive?Present subjunctive:used to express wishes (1)God save the king!                            :used to express formal commands and requests(2)It is necessary that all be present.                             :used to express doubt(3)I wonder if we need be present.                              :used after the expressions:although.whoever,whatever(4)Although it( should )be fine,I will stll tahe my umbrella.Thank you.

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

Your classification is a little different from the standard. [url=http://www.talktalk.co.uk/reference/dictionaries/english/data/d0082859.html]Here's[/url] the classification I am used to:

The present subjunctive has three uses in modern English.

First, it follows verbs, nouns or adjectives that express the idea of command, suggestion or possibility: I suggested that he leave; It is my recommendation that she not be appointed; It is fitting that she resign. This use of the present subjunctive is common in American English. In British English it is more usual to use should: I suggested that he should leave, but it seems that the present subjunctive may be on the increase.

Second, it is used in formal English in clauses beginning with words such as if; although; whether and lest: If that be the case, there is little more we can do; Tie her up securely, lest she escape.

This use of the present subjunctive tends to sound stilted and old-fashioned, and in everyday speech and writing the indicative is usually used instead: If that is the case..., but again American English uses it more readily than British English.

Third, it is used in certain fixed phrases, such as far be it from me; be that as it may; *** save the Queen; come what may; suffice it to say; heaven forbid; perish the thought.

Dave Phillips · Answer

As MM points out in Britain use of the subjunctive is consider old English.  They have been replaced by modal verbs in modern British English.

Anonymous · Answer

Thank you for your answers.I must learn it even if it is not much used in present-day English.
Now I have another problem with modal verbs.I do not know exactly which are the modal verbs expressing lack of obligation All I know is

id not have to ;need not have.Can you tell me other modal verbs?

Mister Micawber · Answer

'Not have to' and 'need not' (and its sister, 'not need to') are the only ones I can think of that express lack of obligation.

Anonymous · Answer

Thanks again.Need not and not need to means the same?

Mister Micawber · Answer

Yes, like 'dare', 'need' has an auxiliary form and a main-verb form.

Anonymous · Answer

Please tell me if` had not got to`can be used as a modal verb expressing lack of obligation ;and if not why..
Thank you

Mister Micawber · Answer

I've heard 'hadn't got to', certainly, but it sounds very casual to me-- not something you'd want to write.

Present subjunctive

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