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English 1b3 Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

Subjunctive--direct object & noun clause

The thing he asked is that he be allowed to see me one last time.

If you were to use the subjunctive after the verb 'ask', would you use still use the subjunctive if the following verb is embedded within another clause, instead of a direct object of the verb 'ask'?

Thanks
  

Top answer

The present subjunctive, like 'be' in the sentence above, is used in subordinate clauses following verbs such as 'ask' 'recommend' etc. But in this case, 'that he be allowed' is not the object of the verb ask, but the subject complement of 'the things is'. Why is the present subjunctive still required?

— English 1b3

  • The present subjunctive, like 'be' in the sentence above, is used in subordinate clauses following verbs such as 'ask' 'recommend' etc.
  • But in this case, 'that he be allowed' is not the object of the verb ask, but the subject complement of 'the things is'.
  • Why is the present subjunctive still required?
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5 Answers
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The present subjunctive, like 'be' in the sentence above, is used in subordinate clauses following verbs such as 'ask' 'recommend' etc. But in this case, 'that he be allowed' is not the object of the verb ask, but the subject complement of 'the things is'. Why is the present subjunctive still required?
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Base sentence: He asked that he be allowed ...

Transforming the sentence doesn't change the grammar.

-- What did he ask?
-- That he be allowed ...

-- What did he ask?

-- What he asked
was
that he be allowed ...

-- What is/was the thing that he asked?
-- The thing that he asked
is/was
that h
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CalifJim
Make sense?


Crystal clear, thanks.

Can you tell me if this sentence is grammatical? I am convinced it is, but the two people I've asked disagree. Being **** stubborn, I need one more disagreement before accepting defeat
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English 1b3this sentence
Which one in particular? I saw two sentences highlighted there, and I thought they were both grammatical.

I'll add a post to that thread.

CJ
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Sorry, I mean my paraphrase of the original.

Also, this quick question: Emotion: embarrassed

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