be which uses were in all circumstances, as in the first example.
The oddity of the subjunctive forms has led to their virtual disappearance from spoken language and has contributed to their fading use in writing. But they are correct and clear and should be used in all situations calling for formal
standardEnglish or when standards are unclear and one tries to err on the side of caution.
The typical situations in which subjunctive should appear are
clauses that are introduced by “if,” as if and as though If I were there, my friend could visit me clauses that convey requests, requirements, demands,
or suggestions and start with “that” (as in the initial example and clauses that convey a wish The other driver wished that I be responsible, but I hoped that I would not beheld accountable.”
Share with your friends: