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Doc888 Posted 15 years ago
Grammar
Woe betide the lazy fellow?
The grammar?
Why not "Woe betides the lazy fellow?"
Context:
"My dear boy," said the Fairy, "people who speak as you do usually end their days either in a prison or in a hospital. A man, remember, whether rich or poor, should do something in this world. No one can find happiness without work. Woe betide the lazy fellow! Laziness is a serious illness and one must cure it immediately; yes, even from early childhood. If not, it will kill you in the end."
Why not "Woe betides the lazy fellow?"
Context:
"My dear boy," said the Fairy, "people who speak as you do usually end their days either in a prison or in a hospital. A man, remember, whether rich or poor, should do something in this world. No one can find happiness without work. Woe betide the lazy fellow! Laziness is a serious illness and one must cure it immediately; yes, even from early childhood. If not, it will kill you in the end."
Top answer
It is an example of the formulaic subjunctive, like *** save the Queen!
- It is an example of the formulaic subjunctive, like *** save the Queen!
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2 Answers
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It is an example of the formulaic subjunctive, like *** save the Queen!
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