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 Tue Aug 28, 2007 7:02 am Unless he be very much changed ... (use of "be") |
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It is a use of the present subjunctive form of the verb for a hypothetical/conditional situation. It is not common, and mostly AmE.
Whatever be the reasons, we cannot continue in this fashion.
If you are determined, then so be it!
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| Tue Aug 28, 2007 20:15 pm Unless he be very much changed ... (use of "be") |
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| Mister Micawber wrote: | .
It is a use of the present subjunctive form of the verb for a hypothetical/conditional situation. [/i]
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Do we use it (subjunctive) after "Unless", "Whatever" etc? As u wrote? or after any other words?
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michauek
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| Wed Aug 29, 2007 3:18 am Unless he be very much changed ... (use of "be") |
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The present subjunctive is often (but not always) used with these verbs and phrases:
ask (that)
be determined (that)
demand (that)
emphasize (that)
insist (that)
move (that)
on the condition (that)
propose (that)
provided (that)
recommend (that)
request (that)
require (that)
so that it not (that)
suggest (that)
urge (that)
"The consultant recommends that additional staff be hired."
The present subjunctive is also often used with certain adjectives in this format:
‘It is’ + adjective + that + noun/pronoun + subjunctive:
It is critical / crucial / essential / imperative / important / necessary / vital (that)...
"It is vital that he stop smoking immediately."
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| Wed Aug 29, 2007 15:15 pm Unless he be very much changed ... (use of "be") |
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Thanks !
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absens carens
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michauek
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| Wed Aug 29, 2007 15:51 pm Unless he be very much changed ... (use of "be") |
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Hi,
You probably want to have a look at Alan's article about the subjunctive in English.
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| The forest is usually quiet before the storm. | "give in" or "give up" |
... something we never have again, I know... I guess I really really know..