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Pedants' corner
Original poster

Does anyone else miss the subjunctive mood...

39 replies

chibi · 10/12/2007 13:10

or is it just me?

OP posts:
PennyBenjamin · 12/12/2007 16:50

If I were you, I wouldn't start a thread like this......

claricebeansmumhasnomincepies · 12/12/2007 16:51

...

OhMyGaaadThatsGrooosss · 12/12/2007 16:59

if that be the case, then I request this thread be terminated asap

PennyBenjamin · 12/12/2007 17:03

Were I that kind of person, I should report this thread to the authorities!

purpleturtle · 12/12/2007 17:06

I love this thread!

I am getting more than my fill of the subjunctive mood by taking NT Greek classes at the moment. It's very difficult for people who have never been taught English grammar, though.

TenLordsaLapin · 12/12/2007 17:11

If I were to point out that I prefer the optative mood, would I be declared a ponce?

Or the desiderative mood even! (where's Desi!)

PennyBenjamin · 12/12/2007 17:30

Oh dear, now I'm amusing myself by making up sentences in the subjunctive mood - I think I need to get out more.

Be that as it may, I will continue!

OhMyGaaadThatsGrooosss · 12/12/2007 17:33

optative - is that to do with eye tests???

OhGiveUsAPruniPudding · 12/12/2007 18:03

Would that it were still part of our language!

OhMyGaaadThatsGrooosss · 12/12/2007 19:16

Penny - I SHALL continue, surely, as opposed to WILL

Curmudgeonlett · 12/12/2007 19:19

sniffs

what the fark are you all on about?

myrrhthamoo · 12/12/2007 19:26

I'm glad you asked that, Twig.

Original poster
chibi · 12/12/2007 19:32

I knew if I were patient, you lot would respond!

OP posts:
Califraunkincense · 12/12/2007 19:36

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Califraunkincense · 12/12/2007 19:37

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

PennyBenjamin · 13/12/2007 12:09

Oops!

I was so pleased by the "Be that as it may", I got distracted!

OhMyGaaadThatsGrooosss · 13/12/2007 16:14

Well, never mind. I must say, despite the beautiful frost displaying itself across the countryside, how I wish it were a little warmer . Nonetheless, thinking up ways to employ the subjunctive is keeping me nice & heated!

MsHighwater · 14/12/2007 13:58

Suffice it to say, I'm confused

amicissima · 14/12/2007 20:09

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Mandalin · 15/12/2007 05:52

Jovanotti, the Italian rap star cemented teh Italian subjunctive with his well know ditty
fortunato which is all in the mood. Were he given the opportunity I am sure he would poke Midge Ure in the eye! It is possible to be a popstar and a pedant you know!

Wow, I remember that!!

Would that I were still in Italy.

Califraunkincense · 15/12/2007 06:24

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

welliemum · 15/12/2007 06:40

If only all MN threads were this grammatical....

welliemum · 15/12/2007 06:48

Does one distinguish between conditional and subjunctive in English by the way?

Cali, non riesco a trovare Jovanotti, dov'e'?

pendulum · 15/12/2007 13:56

My boss regularly reads my letters before they go out in case he has comments on the content.

He regularly 'corrects' my use of the subjunctive in red pen. i regularly ignore him.

AMerryScot · 15/12/2007 13:58

God save the Queen