That we get

Question

Davis said the government would look at the options during the article 50 process over the next two years. “The major criterion here is that we get the best possible access for goods and services to the European market,” he said. (The Guardian.)

Is "that we get" used in the present simple tense to express the future action in the context above?

GPY · Accepted Answer

Yes.

Anonymous · Answer

Thank you, GPY, for the reply.

CalifJim · Answer

AnonymousIs "that we get" used in the present simple tense

From an American's viewpoint it's a mandative construction (or "present subjunctive"), which looks exactly the same as a present simple tense when the subject is not third person singular.

The third person singular form would not look like the present simple. The major criterion ... is that he get the best ....
The insertion of "evaluative should" does not change the meaning. This adds evidence for a mandative construction: ... is that [we / he] should get the best ....

Anonymousto express the future action

Yes. The mandative is related to the imperative so it's almost always about an intention to control the future.

CJ

GPY · Answer

CalifJimThe major criterion ... is that he get the best ....

In BrE it would be fairly usual to use "gets" there. However, in formal writing some sticklers might use "get", I think.

Anonymous · Answer

Thank you, CJ, for the reply.

My first thought was that "are to" is omitted there, i.e. "that we are to get...".

GPY · Answer

AnonymousMy first thought was that "are to" is omitted there, i.e. "that we are to get...".

I don't think so. "we are to get" sounds more definite than this situation calls for.

Anonymous · Answer

GPYI don't think so. "we are to get" sounds more definite than this situation calls for.

Thank you for the reply.

That we get

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