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ArthurAWESOME Posted 16 years ago
Grammar
What that means
May he soon be at peace!
what does that mean? and why the verb is before the subject
what does that mean? and why the verb is before the subject
Top answer
May is a subjunctive here. It expresses a wish or hope that he will soon find peace.
- May is a subjunctive here.
- It expresses a wish or hope that he will soon find peace.
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4 Answers
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May is a subjunctive here. It expresses a wish or hope that he will soon find peace.
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Further to Ivanhr's reply...
More context is needed to be sure, but it's quite likely that it refers to someone's death. Perhaps they are suffering and death will be a relief.
In archaic or pseudo-archaic language it is possible to use other verbs in this arrangement: "Go ye to the city", "Hear ye the words of this covenant", "Be he never so wise, I shall oppose him". I can't t
More context is needed to be sure, but it's quite likely that it refers to someone's death. Perhaps they are suffering and death will be a relief.
In archaic or pseudo-archaic language it is possible to use other verbs in this arrangement: "Go ye to the city", "Hear ye the words of this covenant", "Be he never so wise, I shall oppose him". I can't t
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Mr WordyFurther to Ivanhr's reply...
More context is needed to be sure, but it's quite likely that it refers to someone's death. Perhaps they are suffering and death will be a relief.
In archaic or pseudo-archaic language it is possible to use other verbs in this arrangement: "Go ye to the city", "Hear ye the words of this covenant", "Be he never so w
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Ivanhr
Subjuntives are mostly used in fixed expressions
Be that as it may
Suffice it to say
If need be
so be it
long live the King
Good point. I'd forgotten about these fixed expressions.
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