0
Coloraday Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

Why do we use assist here not assists?

This very next ensuing hour of eight a clock,is the last minute of her reign,unless the devil assist her in propria persona.

Why do we use assist here ?
Why can't we use assists ?
Should we use subjunctive form in such cases?
Thanks
  

Top answer

coloraday Why do we use assist here ? Why can't we use assists ? Should we use subjunctive form in such cases?

— CalifJim

  • coloraday Why do we use assist here ?
  • Why can't we use assists ?
  • Should we use subjunctive form in such cases?
  • Who is "we"?
  • We can and should use "assists" unless we be trying to imitate the English of long ago.
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

9 Answers
0
coloradayWhy do we use assist here ?
Why can't we use assists ?
Should we use subjunctive form in such cases?
Who is "we"? We can and should use "assists" unless we be trying to imitate the English of long ago. "assists" is the modern formulation after "unless". The subjunctive is rarely found after "unless" in modern English.

CJ
0
0
CalifJimunless we be trying to imitate the English of long ago. 
But you yourself (not we) used subjunctive after unless.

I meant English writers of long ago and me by using WE.
0
0
coloradayBut you yourself (not we) used subjunctive after unless.
I believe that Jim was imitating the "English of long ago" unless I be mistaken.
0
0
coloradayBut you yourself (not we) used subjunctive after unless.
Very good! You caught the joke!
0
0
AlpheccaStarsunless I be mistaken.
Are you imitating the English of long ago by using be not am after unless?
At the end I didn't get my question solved.You say using subjunctive in these cases are for archaic English but you two use be after unless.Can you clarify me?
0
0
Hi coloraday:
I'm afraid that I have been pulling your leg a bit, by reverting to archaisms.
I would certainly use "am" in modern circumstances!

0
0
A Stars,
I don't think the word "joke" is being understood. Emotion: sad
CJ
0
0
AlpheccaStarsI'm afraid that I have been pulling your leg a bit, by reverting to archaisms.
I would certainly use "am" in modern circumstances!

0
0
AlpheccaStarsI'm afraid that I have been pulling your leg a bit, by reverting to archaisms.
I would certainly use "am" in modern circumstances!

0

Related Questions