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Old Man Gordon Posted 19 years ago
Grammar
Sunjuncive vagueness
0 A computer technician on the phone: 02 br
02 br
00 "If I could see your computer, I would probably be able to find the problem." 02 br
02 br
00 A student of mine recognizes this sentence as an impossible hypothetical, and contrary to fact. That's right if the technician cannot and will not be able to see the computer. However, the customer might be able to bring the computer in at a later time. My impression is that the subjunctive does not necessarily imply impossibility, but may show politeness and a possible alternative. We use subjunctive when giving options, as in "You could go to Disneyworld this year, or you could stay home." 02 br
02 br
00 So, the technician seeing the computer is not impossible, right? 0-
02 br
00 "If I could see your computer, I would probably be able to find the problem." 02 br
02 br
00 A student of mine recognizes this sentence as an impossible hypothetical, and contrary to fact. That's right if the technician cannot and will not be able to see the computer. However, the customer might be able to bring the computer in at a later time. My impression is that the subjunctive does not necessarily imply impossibility, but may show politeness and a possible alternative. We use subjunctive when giving options, as in "You could go to Disneyworld this year, or you could stay home." 02 br
02 br
00 So, the technician seeing the computer is not impossible, right? 0-
Top answer
0 Yes, this sentence can mean that the technician might see the computer in the future. In fact, as you say, it could be a polite way to see 'bring your computer into my shop and I'll see what I can do for you'. 0-
- 0 Yes, this sentence can mean that the technician might see the computer in the future.
- In fact, as you say, it could be a polite way to see 'bring your computer into my shop and I'll see what I can do for you'.
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3 Answers
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0 Yes, this sentence can mean that the technician might see the computer in the future. In fact, as you say, it could be a polite way to see 'bring your computer into my shop and I'll see what I can do for you'. 0-
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0 Hi, 02 br
00 is it like saying: 02 br
02 br
01 b 00 If you moved a little, I could see the show too... 02 b 02 br
02 br
00 that is more or less like "could you move a little?", even though I feel that is more of a "criticizing statement", that is, "I want you to move"... 02 br
05 0 010id 1
00 is it like saying: 02 br
02 br
01 b 00 If you moved a little, I could see the show too... 02 b 02 br
02 br
00 that is more or less like "could you move a little?", even though I feel that is more of a "criticizing statement", that is, "I want you to move"... 02 br
05 0 010id 1
00
0 Well, I do have my own question regarding Subjunctive issues. So maybe here is a good place to ask as well. 02 br
02 br
00 "It is imperative for us [that] he hide." 02 br
02 br
00 I am wondering, would it be grammaticaly correct to write out the word [that]? I am curious if it is only removed to save space (redundancy), or if there is other logic behind it. 0
02 br
00 "It is imperative for us [that] he hide." 02 br
02 br
00 I am wondering, would it be grammaticaly correct to write out the word [that]? I am curious if it is only removed to save space (redundancy), or if there is other logic behind it. 0
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