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1. After the conjunctions that, so that, in order that, so the quasi-subjunctive forms may (might) +
infinitive or can (could) + infinitive are used. Only might and could are used if the action in the subordinate
clause, though following the action in the main clause, refers to the past. But when the action refers to the
present or future, both forms of each verb are possible (may or might, can or could).
I tell you this so that you may understand the situation.
She left the lamp on the window-sill, so that he might see it from afar.
She gave him the book that he might have something to read on the journey.
2. After the negative conjunction lest (чтобы не) should + infinitive is generally used.
The girl whispered these words lest somebody should overhear her.
He was afraid to look behind lest he should see something there which ought not to be there.
The subjunctive mood in adverbial clauses of concession
§ 92. Concessive clauses may either be joined to the main clause asyndetically, or else be introduced by a
connective (however, whoever, whatever, whenever), a conjunction (though, although, even if, even though);
also by a phrase, such as no matter how, no matter when.
If the action refers to the present or future the quasi-subjunctive form may + infinitive
or
present
subjunctive is used in the subordinate clause. If the action refers to the past may + perfect infinitive or perfect
continuous infinitive, or might + infinitive is used. Forms with should + infinitive, would + infinitive, and
non-factual tense forms are also possible, though less typical.
He can be right, no matter whether his arguments be convincing or not.
Tired as he may be he will always help me.
Though he might have been suspicious he gave no sign.
No matter how he might try he couldn’t do it.
Much as I would like to help, I didn’t dare to interfere.
When a concessive clause is joined asyndetically, there is usually inversion. The front position is occupied
by the part, that states the circumstance despite which the action in the main clause is carried out. Thus it lends
a concessive meaning to the clause. In the following sentences the concessive meaning is focused on the part of
the predicate:
Come what may, we shall remain here.
Cost what it may, I’ll give you the sum you ask.
Tired as he might be, he continued his way.
- Чтобы ни случилось ...
- Сколько бы это ни стоило...
- Как бы он ни устал ...
The focus of the concessive meaning may fall on the nominal or adverbial part of the clause.
Whoever he may be, he has no right to be rude.
Whatever you may say, our decision remains unchanged.
Whichever of the two roads we may take, the distance is great.
Wherever we might go, we found the same gloomy sight.
Whenever I may ask him a question, he always has a ready answer.
Не will not convince us however hard he should try.
- Кто бы он ни был ...
- Чтобы ты ни говорил ...
- По какой бы из двух дорог мы ни
пошли ...
- Куда бы мы ни пошли ...
- Когда бы я ни задал ему вопрос ...
- ... как бы сильно он ни пытался.
Concessive clauses introduced by even if, even though are built up on the same pattern as conditional clauses
and the same subjunctive mood forms are used in the subordinate clause.
Even if it were true, he couldn’t say so.
Even though he had proposed, nothing has changed since that day.