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Old Man Gordon Posted 19 years ago
Grammar

Sunjuncive vagueness

0A computer technician on the phone:02br
02br
00"If I could see your computer, I would probably be able to find the problem."02br
02br
00A 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." 02br
02br
00So, 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'.
  • 0-
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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,02br
00is it like saying:02br
02br
01b00If you moved a little, I could see the show too...02b02br
02br
00that 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"...02br
050010id1
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0 Well, I do have my own question regarding Subjunctive issues. So maybe here is a good place to ask as well.02br
02br
00"It is imperative for us [that] he hide."02br
02br
00I 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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