Again, the Subjunctive!

You have words - now what do you do with them?
Enigma
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Again, the Subjunctive!

Postby Enigma » Tue Feb 09, 2010 7:20 pm

Just for all you in a subjunctive mood:

The sentence feels too reduced, as though it needs 'and' included.


Do you think needs should be subjunctive and why?
What you see, yet can not see over, is as good as infinite. ~Thomas Carlyle

saparris
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Postby saparris » Wed Feb 10, 2010 1:04 am

The sentence feels too reduced, as though it needs 'and' included.
I don't this sentence calls for the subjunctive. The condition (i.e., needing "and" seems true (at least to the speaker).

If you said, "The sentence felt too reduced, as though it were missing an "and," then the subjunctive would be in order.

Most present-tense sentences with as if or as though take the indicative, since the condition described appears to be true.

In the past tense, the subjunctive will often be used when the condition described is probably not true. (He looked as if he were about to die.) He wasn't, but he looked that way.
Ars longa, vita brevis

Enigma
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Posts: 194
Joined: Sat Feb 06, 2010 7:26 pm
Location: New Zealand

Postby Enigma » Wed Feb 10, 2010 1:37 am

The sentence feels too reduced, as though it needs 'and' included.
I don't this sentence calls for the subjunctive. The condition (i.e., needing "and" seems true (at least to the speaker).

If you said, "The sentence felt too reduced, as though it were missing an "and," then the subjunctive would be in order.

Most present-tense sentences with as if or as though take the indicative, since the condition described appears to be true.

In the past tense, the subjunctive will often be used when the condition described is probably not true. (He looked as if he were about to die.) He wasn't, but he looked that way.
I agree, Sap!

If it means much coming from me...good answer 8)
What you see, yet can not see over, is as good as infinite. ~Thomas Carlyle

saparris
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Location: South Carolina USA

Postby saparris » Wed Feb 10, 2010 8:27 am

Thanks.
Ars longa, vita brevis

Enigma
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Posts: 194
Joined: Sat Feb 06, 2010 7:26 pm
Location: New Zealand

Postby Enigma » Wed Feb 10, 2010 5:34 pm

I don't this sentence calls for the subjunctive
Assuming the missing word here is think, and assuming you are therefore implying you are not 110% sure on this answer you have given, I thought I'd give you a helpful site, if you just wanted have a quick look.

It is in accordance with your answer given.

http://www.grammaring.com/as-if-as-though
What you see, yet can not see over, is as good as infinite. ~Thomas Carlyle

saparris
Wordmaster
Posts: 794
Joined: Fri Jan 22, 2010 5:33 pm
Location: South Carolina USA

Postby saparris » Wed Feb 10, 2010 6:27 pm

Assuming the missing word here is think, and assuming you are therefore implying you are not 110% sure on this answer you have given, I thought I'd give you a helpful site, if you just wanted have a quick look.


I was sure--at least I think I was.
Ars longa, vita brevis


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