The powers that be

Question

Hi, everyone!The powers that be....Why is it 'be', not 'is' or 'are'?Is it being used traditionally, even though grammatically wrong?

Tanit · Accepted Answer

Hi,

I think you should post the completesentence.

Khoff · Answer

I think it's subjunctive -- whatever powers may be.

Pructus · Answer

The Powers That Be (TV series), a short-lived 1990s situation comedy
"The Powers That Be" (Jackie Chan Adventures), an episode of the animated show Jackie Chan Adventures
"PTB" (The Pretender), an episode of the television series The Pretender
"The Powers That Be" (Stargate SG-1), an episode of the TV series Stargate SG-1
The Powers That Be (Angel), a group of powerful supernatural entities in the TV series Angel
Elders (Charmed), also called "The powers that be", the leaders of Good in the television series Charmed

CalifJim · Answer

pructusIs it being used traditionally, even though grammatically wrong?

It's a leftover phrase from the times when English used the subjunctive much more than it does now. It is traditional, but I wouldn't call it wrong.

CJ

Pructus · Answer

I see...    Thanks  CalifJim...

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