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60
It is not possible that he should have guessed it.
Is it possible that he should refuse to come?
Невероятно, чтобы...
Возможно ли, чтобы...
Note:
If in sentences introduced by it the reference is made to an existing fact or state of things, the indicative
mood may be used in the subordinate clause.
It is strange that he behaves like that.
Is it possible that he has taken the key?
2. After the principal clause expressing time - it is time, it is high time -the past subjunctive or non-factual
forms are used.
It is time you went to bed.
It is high time he were more serious.
It was hight time he had come to a decision.
The subjunctive mood in object clauses
§ 83. The choice of the subjunctive mood form in object clauses depends on the meaning of the verb
standing before the object clause.
1. In object clauses after verbs expressing order (to order, to command, to give orders, to give instructions,
to demand, to urge, to insist, to require), request (to request, to appeal, to beg), suggestion (to suggest, to
recommend, to propose, to move, to advise) either should + infinitive or the present subjunctive is used, the first
form being more common than the second.
We urged that in future these relations should be more friendly.
Mr. Nupkins commanded that the lady should be shown in.
In American English the present subjunctive in this sentence pattern is predominant.
People don’t demand that a thing be reasonable if their emotions are touched.
I suggested that she give up driving, but she looked too miserable.
The same form is used after the predicative adjectives sorry, glad, pleased, vexed, eager, anxious,
determined, etc., if the action is regarded as an imagined one.
I am sorry she should take such needless trouble.
His brother’s suggestion was absurd. He was vexed his relatives should interfere into his private matters.
2. In object clauses after the verb wish and phrases expressing the same idea I had better, I would rather,
or the contracted form I’d rather -different forms may be used, depending on the time-reference of the action
in the object clause. If the action refers to the present or future, or is simultaneous with the action expressed in
the principal clause, the non-factual past indefinite, past continuous, or past subjunctive is used. After I’d rather
the present subjunctive is also possible.
I wish I knew something of veterinary medicine. There’s a feeling of helplessness with a sick animal.
I wish you came here more often. I hardly ever see you.
I would rather you went now.
I’d rather you didn’t help me, actually.