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The wide use of the non-factual past indefinite (If I knew, if he came...) probably accounts for the strong
tendency in Modern English to substitute was for the past subjunctive form were, at least in less formal style.
This tendency makes the system of subjunctive mood forms more similar and comparable to the system of
indicative mood forms: if I knew..., if I was (instead of were), I wish I knew..., I wish I was (instead of were).
On the other hand, were is often used instead of was in the non-factual past continuous.
He smiled as if he were enjoying the situation. 
The analytical forms
§ 79. Most of the later formations are analytical, built by means of the auxiliaries which developed from the
modal verbs should and would, plus any form of the infinitive. The auxiliaries, generally called mood
auxiliaries, have lost their lexical meaning and are used in accordance with strict rules in certain patterns of
sentences or clauses. In cases where should and would retain their original modal meaning or their use is not
determined by any strict rules, they should be regarded as modal verbs, forming a compound verbal (or
nominal) modal predicate. You should be more palient with the child.
Still, some modal verbs are regularly used to denote hypothetical actions in certain syntactic patterns -
may/might + infinitive, can/could + infinitive, but to a certain degree retain their original meaning. These will
be regarded as quasi-subjunctive forms.
However much you may argue, he will do as he pleases (expresses possibility).
I wish I could help you (expresses ability).
If you would agree to visit my uncle, ... (expresses wish).
Analytic forms may be divided into three groups, according to their use and function.
I. The forms should + infinitive (for the first person singular and plural) and would + infinitive (for the
other persons). This system coincides in form with the future in the past. These forms may be used either in a
simple sentence or in the main clause.
There is a strong tendency in Modern English to use would for all persons, in the same way as will is used
instead of shall in the indicative mood. Another tendency is to use the contracted form of would ‘d for all
person in informal style. (Compare this usage with that of the contracted form ‘ll in the indicative.)
These forms denote hypothetical actions, either imagined as resulting from hypothetical conditions, or else
presented as a real possibility.
I would not praise the boy so much.
Would you help me if I need your help?
He would smoke too much if I didn’t stop him now and again.
II. The form would + infinitive for all persons, both singular and plural. This form is highly specialised in
meaning; it expresses a desirable action in the future. It may be used both in simple and complex sentences.
Let us invite him. He would gladly accept the invitation. 
I wish you would go there too.
III. The form should + infinitive for all persons. This form stands apart in the system of the verb, as
contrary to the general tendency to use either two forms - should and would, or else to use one form - would for
all persons. The meaning of the form is rather broad - it depends on the context.
It is important that all the students should be informed about it. 
It is strange that we should have met in the same place.
It can easily be seen that most of the forms used to express hypothetical actions are homonymous with the
indicative mood forms, either with tense forms or with free combinations of modal verbs with the infinitive.
Hence most forms are recognizable as subjunctive only under certain conditions:
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