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II. Complex sentences with clauses of open condition. These clauses denote hypothetical situations or
circumstances which may be (or may not be) realised in the present or future. Accordingly the subjunctive-
mood forms are used both in the subordinate and the principal clause to denote actions or states.
In the main dause
In the subordinate clause
Analytical forms with
should +
would
non-perfect
infinitive
1.
(in Modern English the tendency is to use would
for all the persons)
1.
The present subjunctive (be, go, see, etc.) or the past
subjunctive for all the persons in the singular and plural.
Of these forms be and were can open asyndetically
joined clauses.
In case the state of the patient became worse he would be taken to a hospital.
If I were you, I would change into another dress.
You wouldn’t be talking that way unless you were hurt.
2.
Quasi-subjunctive-mood forms
with may (might) + non-perfect infinitive
2.
The non-factual past indefinite and past
continuous.
You might ask her this question if you were less scrupulous.
This might seem to be unreal unless I saw it with my own eyes.
3.
The imperative mood.
3.
Analytical forms with should + non-perfect
infinitive (mostly with inversion).
Should he ask for references, tell him to apply to me.
Note:
The form would + infinitive in the subordinate clause may be not a mood form, but a compound predicate,
expressing a polite request.
I should be much obliged if you would agree to take part in the concert (если бы вы согласились
участвовать в концерте).
III. Complex sentences with clauses of rejected condition imply non-fulfilment of the condition, as the
actions or events described in the conditional clause refer to the past and the time of their realization is over.
The condition is generally not even supposed to have been fulfilled, but is stated merely for the sake of
argument. The following mood forms are used;
In the main clause
analytical forms
In the subordinate clause
non-factual past perfect
should
would
might
(may)
could
+ perfect infinitive
If I hadn’t woken you, you’d (would) have lain there for the whole fortnight.
She would have been playing her part well unless she had been stiff with fright.
I might have persuaded her to change her mind if she had not been so obstinate.
If the book had been published they could have bought a copy in the shops.
Could he not have missed the train if he had been detained by the director?*