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Sophianz Posted 12 years ago
Grammar

subjective mood

Hi. I have two questions about subjective mood. Are these sentences correct?

#1 (in a desert) If it should rain tomorrow, what should I do?
Is it possible to use "should" as in "what should I do"? Is it subjective mood or indicative mood?

#2 He talks as if to be my boss.
Is it possible to use static verbs? If so, are there any differences between "as if to be my boss" and "as if he were my boss"?
If not, are there any limitations when you use "as if to <infinitive>"?

Thank you in advance.
  

Top answer

The mood is not "subjective"; it is subjunctive . The first sentence is grammatically possible; the second doesn't work. You could say: He talks as if he were my boss.

— Ozzourti

  • The mood is not "subjective"; it is subjunctive .
  • The first sentence is grammatically possible; the second doesn't work.
  • You could say: He talks as if he were my boss.
  • (past subjunctive) Also, not everyone would consider the first part of #1 a true subjunctive.
  • " doesn't look like a subjunctive form at all.
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5 Answers
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The mood is not "subjective"; it is subjunctive.

The first sentence is grammatically possible; the second doesn't work. You could say: He talks as if he were my boss. (past subjunctive)

Also, not everyone would consider the first part of #1 a true subjunctive. "What should I do?" doesn't look like a subjunctive form at all.
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sophianzIf it should rain tomorrow, what should I do?
In an if-clause, a construction with should (should rain) can replace the usual indicative (rains). Both are correct. I would not call a construction with should a subjunctive.

If it rains ~ If it should rain (Same meaning.)

Your second clause i
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sophianzare there any limitations when you use "as if to"?
Yes. The use of that construction is very limited. It's used mostly when you mean "as if [he / she / ...] wanted to", "as if [he / she / ...] were trying to". The choices below give you an idea of the sort of verbs you need in that construction.

(Someone did something) as if to [suggest
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Thank you for your reply.
I have another question. Is it possible to say "He talks as if he suggested that ..." instead of using "as if to suggest"?

I hope your reply. Thanks in advance.
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sophianz Is it possible to say "He talks as if he suggested that ..." instead of using "as if to suggest"?
Not exactly. He talks as if he were suggesting that he were my boss.

But adding the verb "suggest" doesn't add much to the meaning, and it just complicates the sentence with more words.

CJ
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