1 страница. Mood is a grammatical category which indicates the attitude of the speaker towards the action expressed by the verb from the point of yiew of its reality.

Mood

 

Mood is a grammatical category which indicates the attitude of the speaker towards the action expressed by the verb from the point of ^yiew of its reality.

In Modern English we distinguish three moods:

(1) The Indicative Mood.

(2) The Imperative Mood.

(3) The Subjunctive Mood.

 

 

The Indicative Mood

The Indicative Mood shows that the action or state expressed b\ the verb is presented as a fact.

We went home early In the evening. (Dickens)

The Indicative Mood is also used to express a real condition, i. e. a condition the realization of which is considered possible.

If it rains, I shall stay at home.

If Catherine disobeys us, we shall disinherit her. (Eliot)

 

 

The Imperative Mood

The Imperative Mood expresses a command or a request. In Mod­ern English the Imperative Mood has only one form which coincides with the infinitive without the particle to; it is used in the second person (singular and plural).

Be quiet and hear what I tell you. (Eliot)

Please put the papers on the table by the bed. (Hemingway)

In forming the negative the auxiliary verb to do is always used, even with the verb to be.

Hush! Don't make a noise! (Eliot) Don't be angry... (Hemingway)

The auxiliary verb to do may also be used in affirmative sentences to make the request more emphatic.

But now, do sing again to us. (Eliot)

To make a request or an order more emphatic the subject expressed by the pronoun you is sometimes used. It is characteristic of colloquia¹ speech.

I'll drive and you sleep awhile. (Hemingway)

N о t e. A command addressed to the third person singular and plural is usually expressed with the help of the verb to let.

Let the child go home at once. — Пусть ребенок сейчас же идет домой.

Let the children go home at once. — Пусть дети сейчас же идут домой.

With the first person plural the verb to let is used to express an exhortation to a joint action.

Let's go and have some fresh coffee. (Mansfield) — Пойдемте выпьем свежего кофе.

 

The Subjunctive Mood

 

§ 1. The Subjunctive Mood shows that the action or state expressed by the verb is presented as a non-fact, as something imaginary or desired. The Subjunctive Mood is also used to express an emotional attitude of the speaker to real facts. (A detailed treatment of this use of the Sub­junctive Mood is given in § 16.)

In Modern English the Subjunctive Mood has synthetic and ana­lytical forms.

"I wish I were ten years older," I said. (Braine) — «Хотел бы я быть на десять лет старше», — сказал я. I wish you would speak rationally. (E. Bronte) — Я хотел бы, чтобы вы говорили разумно.

 

§ 2. The synthetic forms of the Subjunctive Mood can be traced to the Old English period when the Subjunctive Mood was chiefly expressed by synthetic forms. In Old English the Subjunctive Mood had a special set of inflections, different from those of the Indicative.

In course of time most of the inflections were lost and the differ­ence between the forms of the Subjunctive and those of the Indicative has almost disappeared. However, in Modern English there are a few synthetic forms of the Subjunctive which have survived; they are as fol­lows: the Present Subjunctive of all the verbs and the Past Subjunctive °nly of the verb to be.

I. The Present Subjunctive. In the Present Subjunctive the verb to be has the form be for all the persons singular and plural, which differs from the corresponding forms of the Indicative Mood (the Present Indefinite). In all other verbs the forms of the Present Subjunctive differ from the corresponding forms of the Indicative Mood only in the third person singular, which in the Present Subjunctive has no ending -s.

The Present Subjunctive denotes an action referring to the present or future. This form is seldom used in Modern English. It may be found in poetry and in elevated prose, where these forms are archaisms used with a certain stylistic aim. It is also used in scientific language and in the language of official documents, where it is a living form.

Wretched is the infant's lot, Born within the straw-roof d cot; Be he generous, wise or brave, He must only be a slave. (Southey)

Печальна судьба ребенка,

Родившегося в хижине с соломенной крышей;

Как бы великодушен, умен и храбр он ни был,

Он все равно будет рабом.

Though all the world be false, still will I be true. (Trollope) — Даже если весь мир будет лживым, все же я буду правдива.

The Present Subjunctive also occurs in some set expressions.

Be it so! — Пусть будет так! Да будет так!

Suffice it to say that he soon came back. — Достаточно сказать,

что он скоро вернулся.

God forbid! — Боже упаси! Сохрани бог!

Far be it from me to contradict you. — У меня и в мыслях не

было противоречить вам.

In American English the Present Subjunctive is used not only in the above mentioned cases but also in colloquial language.

Yates called the hospital and insisted that one of the doctors come to the phone. (Heym) — Йейтс позвонил в госпиталь и потребовал, чтобы кто-нибудь из врачей подошел к теле­фону.

II. The Past Subjunctive. In the Past Subjunctive the verb to be has the form were for all the persons singular and plural, which in the singular differs from the corresponding form of the Indicative Mood (the Past Indefinite).

 

Note. Occasionally the form was, which coincides with the form of the Indicative Mood, can be found in the singular, especially in less formal style. But were is by far preferrable.

I know I am affectionate. I wouldn't say it, if I wasn't certain that I am. (Dickens)

 

The Past Subjunctive is widely used in Modern English and occurs not only in literature but also in colloquial language.

The term 'Past Subjunctive' is merely traditional as in Modern English it does not necessarily express a past action. In adverbial clauses of condition it denotes an unreal condition referring to the present or future. In other types of subordinate clauses it denotes an action simul­taneous with the action expressed in the principal clause; thus it may refer to the present and to the past.

If I were ill I should like to be nursed by you. (Bennett) — Если бы я был болен, я бы хотел, чтобы за мной ухаживали вы.

I want to go everywhere, I wish I were a gipsy. (Galsworthy) _ Мне хочется всюду побывать. Я хотела бы быть цыганкой. I wished he were less remote. (Du Maurier) — Я хотела бы, чтобы он не был таким отчужденным.

 

§ 3. The analytical forms of the Subjunctive Mood consist of the mood auxiliaries should, would, may (might) or shall (which is seldom used) and the infinitive of the notional verb.

Mr. Barkis... proposed that my pocket-handkerchief should be spread upon the horse's back to dry. (Dickens) — Мистер Баркис предложил положить мой носовой платок на спину лошади, чтобы он просох.

Yates wished Bing would stop thanking him, but Bing went on. (Heym) — Йейтсу хотелось, чтобы Бинг перестал благодарить его, но Бинг все благодарил.

Whoever you may be, Sir, I am deeply grateful to you. (Dick­ens) — Кто бы вы ни были, сэр, я вам глубоко признате­лен.

She lowered the blind and closed the shutters that he might not see the sun set. (Voynich) — Она спустила шторы и закрыла ставни, чтобы он не видел, как заходит солнце.

Mood auxiliaries have developed from modal verbs, which have lost their modality and serve to form the analytical Subjunctive. Still there are cases when mood auxiliaries retain a shade of modality, for instance the verb might in adverbial clauses of purpose.

Lizzie stood upon the causeway that her father might see her. (Dickens) — Лиззи стояла на дамбе, чтобы отец увидел ее (мог увидеть ее).

 

§ 4. In Modern English the same meaning as is expressed by the Subjunctive Mood may also be rendered by the forms of the Indicative Mood — the Past Indefinite, the Past Perfect and occasionally the Past Continuous and the Past Perfect Continuous.

In adverbial clauses of condition the Past Indefinite denotes an unreal condition referring to the present or future; the Past Perfect denotes an unreal condition referring to the past.

The room is so low that the head of the tallest of the visitors would touch the blackened ceiling if he stood upright. (Dick­ens) — Комната такая низкая, что голова самого высокого из посетителей коснулась бы закопченного потолка, если бы он выпрямился.

The noise about her was frightful, so deafening that if she had shouted aloud she would not have heard her own voice. (Cro-nin) — Шум вокруг нее был ужасный, такой оглушительный, что если бы она громко закричала, она не услышала бы своего собственного голоса.

In other types of subordinate clauses the Past Indefinite denotes an action simultaneous with the action expressed in the principal clause; the Past Perfect denotes an action prior to that of the principal clause.

He (Mr. Barkis) sat looking at the horse's ears as if he saw some­thing new there. (Dickens) — Мистер Баркис сидел, глядя на уши лошади, как будто он видел там что-то новое. I felt as if the visit had diminished the separation between Ada and me. (Dickens) — У меня было такое чувство, как будто этот визит сблизил нас с Адой.

The Past Continuous and the Past Perfect Continuous are less frequently used.

They looked as if they were fighting for their life. (Eliot) — Они выглядели так, как будто они боролись за свою жизнь. The mother's delicate eyelids were pink, as if she had been cry­ing half the night. (Eliot) — Нежные веки матери покраснели, как будто бы она проплакала половину ночи.

 

 

Note. In some grammars these forms are considered to be the forms of the Subjunctive Mood, homonymous with the forms of the Indicative Mood.

 

The Use of the Subjunctive Mood

 

I- SIMPLE SENTENCES

§ 5. In simple sentences the synthetic forms of the Subjunctive Mood are more frequent than the analytical forms.

In simple sentences the Subjunctive Mood is used:

(1) to express wish (пожелание):

Long live the University of St. Petersburg! — Да здравствует

Петербургский университет!

Success attend you! — Да сопутствует вам успех!

God save the Queen! — Боже, храни королеву!

То express wish the analytical subjunctive with the mood auxiliary may is also used.

May success attend you! — Да сопутствует вам успех! May you live long and die happy! — Желаю вам долго жить и быть счастливым до конца своих дней.

(2) to express an unreal wish:

If only he were free! (Galsworthy) — Если бы только он был свободен!

(3) in oaths and imprecations:

Manners be hanged! — К черту всякие церемонии! Confound these flies! — Будь они прокляты, эти мухи!

(4) in some expressions:

Suffice it to say that... Be it so! God forbid!

Far be it from me...

(See the translation of these examples, § 2.)

The Subjunctive Mood in simple sentences is characteristic of literary style, except in oaths and imprecations, which belong to low colloquial style.

 

II. COMPLEX SENTENCES

§ 6. The Subjunctive Mood is used in conditional sentences to express an unreal condition (in the subordinate clause) and an unreal conse­quence (in the principal clause).

In sentences of unreal condition referring to the present or fu­ture the Past Subjunctive of the verb to be is used in the subordinate clause; with other verbs the same meaning is expressed by the Past Indefinite of the Indicative Mood. In the principal clause we find the analytical subjunctive consisting of the mood auxiliary would and the Indefinite Infinitive. Nowadays there is a tendency to use would for all the persons. But in British English sometimes the difference between should as used with the first person singular and plural and would as used with the second and third persons singular and plural is maintained.

The world would be healthier if every chemist's shop in England were demolished. (Shaw) — Человечество было бы здоровее, если бы все аптеки в Англии были уничтожены. I should kill myself today if I didn't believe that tyranny and injustice must end. (Galsworthy) — Я бы сегодня же покончила с собой, если бы не верила, что тирании и несправедливости придет конец.

If you helped me, I would finish the work shortly.

An unreal condition referring to the future can also be expressed by the Past Subjunctive of the verb to be + Infinitive of the notional verb or the analytical Subjunctive with the mood auxiliary should for all the persons. Such sentences are often translated by means of'Если бы случилось так...\ 'Случись так...'.

If I were to offer my home..., my station..., my affections... to any one among the young women engaged in my calling, they would probably be accepted. Even readily accepted. (Dickens) — Если бы случилось так, что я предложил бы свой дом, свое поло­жение в обществе, свою любовь любой молодой женщине моей профессии, все это, вероятно, было бы принято. Даже охотно принято.

Well, Major, if you should send me to a difficult spot — with this man alone, I'd feel secure. (Heym) — Знаете, майор, если бы случилось так, что вы послали бы меня в опасное место только с одним этим человеком, я бы чувствовал себя в безопасности.

If in the subordinate clause the mood auxiliary should is used, we often find the Indicative or Imperative Mood in the principal clause.

If any of your family should come to my house, I shall be de­lighted to welcome them... (Trollope) — Если кому-нибудь из членов вашей семьи случится прийти в мой дом, я буду рад принять его.

If he should come, ask him to wait. — В случае, если он придет, попросите его подождать.

In sentences of unreal condition referring to the past the Past Perfect of the Indicative Mood is used in the subordinate clause; in the prin­cipal clause we find the analytical subjunctive consisting of the mood auxiliary would and the Perfect Infinitive. Similar to the sentences of unreal condition referring to the present and future, would is normally used for all the persons nowadays.

If I had been at home last night, I would have heard the noise. If I had consulted my own interests, I should never have come here. (Galsworthy) — Если бы я думал только о себе, я бы никогда сюда не пришел.

There are two mixed types of sentences of unreal condition. In the first of these the condition refers to the past and the consequence refers to the present or future.

If you had taken your medicine yesterday, you would be well now. — Если бы вы вчера приняли лекарство, теперь вы были бы здоровы.

No, by my word and truth, I never despised you; if I had I should not love you now! (Hardy) — Нет, клянусь вам, я вас никогда не презирал; если бы я вас когда-нибудь презирал, я не любил бы вас теперь.

In the second type the condition refers to no particular time and the consequence to the past.

If he were not so absent-minded, he would not have mistaken

you for your sister. — Если бы он не был такой рассеянный, он не принял бы вас за вашу сестру.

Still Beatrice had taken the trouble to go up to London and to buy the books for me. She would not have done that if she disliked

me. (Du Maurier) — Все-таки Беатриса взяла на себя труд съездить в Лондон и купить мне эти книги. Она бы этого не сделала, если бы не любила меня.

 

Note. Unreal conditions may also be expressed in the following ways:

(a) But for the rain, we should go down to the country. — Если бы не дождь, мы бы поехали за город. His fleshless face would have looked like the face of a mummy, but for the restless brightness of his little black eyes. (Collins) — Его изможденное лицо было бы похоже на лицо мумии, если бы не беспокойный блеск маленьких черных глаз.

(b) If it were not for your help, I should not be able to finish my work in time. — Если бы не ваша помощь, я не смог бы вовремя закончить работу.

If it hadn't been for me, his own brother would have shut him up for life. (Dickens) — Если бы не я, его собственный брат засадил бы его (в сумасшедший дом) на всю жизнь.

 

In sentences of unreal condition the modal verbs might and could are often used; they fully retain their modal meaning and therefore they do not form the analytical subjunctive.

Here we have the group 'modal verb + Infinitive' which forms a compound verbal modal predicate, whereas the analytical subjunctive forms a simple predicate.

If she were still waiting, she might be restless, feverish, but surely she would not look like this. (Galsworthy) — Если бы она все еще ждала, она, возможно, нервничала бы, но, безусловно, она не выглядела бы так.

I could have done very well if I had been without the Murd-stones. (Dickens) — Я мог бы очень хорошо учиться, если бы не Мердстоны.

Would, when used in the subordinate clause of a sentence of unreal condition, is also a modal verb forming with the infinitive a compound verbal modal predicate.

If you would come and see us..., mother would be as proud of your company as I should be. (Dickens) — Если бы вы пожела­ли навестить нас..., моя матушка была бы так же польщена этим, как и я.

 

N о t с. In conditional sentences of real condition naturally the Indicative and not the Subjunctive Mood is used. Such sentences can refer to the present, future or past.

But I can bear anything gladly if you are happy. (Eliot)

If you make this disgusting match, you will never see Hector

again. (Shaw)

The whole thing was on his conscience — for if Jon had anything, he had a conscience. (Galsworthy)

 

The conjunctions introducing adverbial clauses of condition are: //, in case, provided, suppose, unless and some others. If\s the most common conjunction used in sentences of real and unreal condition.

In case and provided are chiefly used in sentences of real condi-tion.

In case I don't find her at home, I'll leave her a note. — В случае, если я не застану ее дома, я оставлю ей записку. I shall go there provided you consent to accompany me. (Ch. Bronte) — Я пойду туда при условии, что вы согласитесь пойти со мной.

Suppose is more common in sentences of unreal condition.

Suppose he wrote to you, would you answer? — Предположим, он написал бы вам, вы бы ответили?

Unless is used in sentences of real and unreal condition.

I'll come in time unless I am detained at the University. — Я приду вовремя, если меня не задержат в университете. Isabel would not have engaged herself to Mr. Hardyman unless she had been fond of him. (Collins) — Изабелла не согласилась бы выйти за мистера Хардимена, если бы не любила его.

 

Note. Unless has a negative meaning; it corresponds to the Russian если не. There are cases, however, when the Russian если не cannot be rendered in English by unless; only if not is possible.

Осторожно переходите улицу, если не хотите попасть под машину. — Cross the street carefully if you don't want to be run over.

Adverbial clauses of condition containing the verbs had, were, could and should are often introduced without any conjunction. In these cases we find inversion. Had the wanderer remained awake for another half-hour, a strange sight would have met his eyes. (Conan Doyle) — Если бы путешественник продолжал бодрствовать еще в течение получаса, его глазам представилось бы странное зрелище. I should be myself were I once again among the heather in those hills. (E. Bronte) — Я стала бы такой, как прежде, если бы вновь очутилась на этих холмах, поросших вереском.

In this sentence unless would sound ironically (разве что тебе захочется попасть под машину).

Mary would indeed have been grateful to Miss Dunstable, could she have known all that lady did for her. (Trollope) — Мэри и в самом деле была бы очень благодарна мисс Данстэбл, если бы она могла знать все, что эта дама для нее сделала. Should he come this way, I will speak to him. (Ch. Bronte) — Если ему случится быть здесь, я поговорю с ним.

The Subjunctive Mood is used in sentences expressing what may be understood as an unreal consequence, the condition of which is not expressed as such.

I suppose you are a stranger in these parts, or you would have heard what happened last autumn. (Ch. Bronte) — Наверно, вы приезжая, иначе вы бы знали о том, что случилось здесь осенью.

There was no piano... because it would have taken up much room. (Galsworthy) — Рояля не было..., так как он занял бы много места.

 

§ 7. The Subjunctive Mood is used in adverbial clauses of purpose. When a clause of purpose is introduced by the conjunctions that, so that, in order that, we find the analytical subjunctive with the mood auxiliary may (might) if the principal clause refers to the present or future; if the principal clause refers to the past, only the form might is used.

As has already been, stated (see § 3), the mood auxiliary may (might) retains in this case a shade of modality.

She opens (will open) the window that she may (might) get a breath of fresh air.

She opened the window that she might get a breath of fresh air.

Order a conveyance to be at the door to-morrow evening, rather earlier than is absolutely necessary, in order that we may be in good time. (Dickens) — Прикажите подать экипаж завтра вече­ром пораньше, чтобы мы приехали заблаговременно (чтобы мы могли приехать заблаговременно). Mr. Micawber impressed the names of streets upon me that I might find my way back easily. (Dickens) — Мистер Микобер заставил меня запомнить названия улиц, чтобы я легко нашел дорогу обратно (чтобы я мог легко найти дорогу обратно). Не got up, cautiously, so that he might not wake the sleeping boy. (Cronin) — Он тихо поднялся, чтобы не разбудить спя­щего мальчика.

If a clause of purpose is introduced by lest the mood auxiliary should (for all persons) is generally used. The synthetic form of the Subjunctive Mood is also possible. Zesf has a negative meaning (что-бы не).

She opens (opened, will open) the window lest it should be stuffy in the room.

The President must reject this proposal lest it should cause (cause) strife and violence.

In British English lest is restricted to very formal usage, but in Amercan English it is more current.

 

§ 8. The Subjunctive Mood is used in adverbial clauses of concession.

Adverbial clauses of concession are introduced by the conjunctions and connectives though, although, however, no matter, whatever, whoever, etc. The analytical subjunctive with the mood auxiliary may (might) is generally used.

Though he may (might) be tired |

Tired though he may (might) be I he will go to the

No matter how tired he may (might) be | concert. However tired he may (might) be J

Как бы он ни был утомлен, он пойдет на концерт.

Whatever obstacles may arise, we shall not give in. — Какие бы препятствия ни встали на нашем пути, они нас не оста­новят.

You're my daughter, Alice. Although you may never admit it, you're like me. (Gowand D'Usseau) — Ты моя дочь, Алиса. Хотя бы ты с этим и не соглашалась, ты похожа на меня. Remember, the truth, however ashamed of it you may be, is bet­ter than any lie. (Dreiser) — Помните, что правда, как бы вы ни стыдились ее, лучше, чем любая ложь. I must return to the city, no matter what dangers may lurk there. (Dreiser) — Я должен вернуться в город, какие бы опасности ни поджидали меня там.

... I should like to do some good to you and your husband, who­ever he may be. (Hardy) — Я хотел бы быть полезным вам и вашему мужу, кто бы он ни был.

If the action of the subordinate clause is prior to that of the principal clause the Perfect Infinitive is generally used.

However badly he may have behaved to you In the past he is still your brother. (Wilde) — Как бы плохо он ни вел себя по отношению к вам в прошлом, он все же ваш брат.

 

Note. The Indicative Mood is used in adverbial clauses of concession when the action or state is considered as an actual fact and not as some­thing supposed.

Compare:

Cold though it may be, we shall go to the skating-rink. (Subjunc­tive Mood) — Как бы ни было холодно, мы пойдем на каток. Cold as it is, we shall go to the skating-rink. (Indicative Mood) — Как ни холодно, мы пойдем на каток.

 

§ 9. The Subjunctive Mood is used in adverbial clauses of time and

place after the conjunctions whenever and wherever; in these cases the clauses have an additional concessive meaning.

Whenever you may (might) come, you are welcome. — Когда

бы вы ни пришли, мы вам всегда рады.

Wherever she may (might) live, she will always find friends. —

Где бы она ни жила, она всегда найдет друзей.

Of course, I shall come for your marriage, whenever that may be

fixed. (Trollope) — Конечно, я приеду на вашу свадьбу, когда

бы ее ни назначили.

 

§ 10. The Subjunctive Mood is used in adverbial clauses of comparison (or manner) introduced by the conjunctions as if and as though (the latter is more literary).

If the action of the subordinate clause is simultaneous with that of the principal clause the Past Subjunctive of the verb to be is used; with other verbs the same meaning is expressed by the Past Indefinite of the Indicative Mood.

She speaks (spoke) about him as if she knew him well. — Она говорит (говорила) о нем так, как будто она его хорошо знает (знала).

She greeted him as if he were her brother. (Galsworthy) — Она поздоровалась с ним так, как будю ин был ее браiим. Не speaks as if he knew you! (Collins) — Он говорит так, как будто он вас знает!

Rex got from his seat, as if he held the conference to be at an end. (Eliot) — Рекс поднялся с места, как будто он считал совещание оконченным.

If the action of the subordinate clause is prior to that of the principal clause the Past Perfect of the Indicative Mood is used.

She speaks (spoke) about him as if she had known him for years. — Она говорит (говорила) о нем так, как будто знает (знала) его много лет.

She flushes as though he had struck her. (Shaw) — Она зали­вается краской, как будто он ее ударил. She shook hands with him as though they had known each other all their lives... (Trollope) — Они пожали друг другу руки, как будто были знакомы всю жизнь.

 

§11. The Subjunctive Mood is used in predicative clauses:

(a) introduced by the conjunctions as if, as though, when we find the link verbs to be, to feel, to look, to seem, etc. in the principal clause.

If the action of the subordinate clause is simultaneous with that of the principal clause the Past Subjunctive of the verb to be is used; with other verbs the same meaning is expressed by the Past Indefinite of the Indicative Mood.

If the action of the subordinate clause is prior to that of the principal clause the Past Perfect of the Indicative Mood is used.

I feel as if we were back seven years, Jon. (Galsworthy) — У меня такое чувство, как будто мы вернулись на семь лет назад, Джон.

... now I feel as if you had never been away. (Shaw) — Теперь у

меня такое чувство, как будто вы и не уезжали.

Не looked as if he knew it to be true. (Austen) — У него был

такой вид, точно он знал, что это правда.

The house looked as though it had been deserted for weeks.

(Wells) — У дома был такой вид, точно в нем уже много недель

никто не жил.

It was as if she were angry with him. (Lawrence) — Похоже было, что она сердится на него.

Karel felt a bitter taste in his mouth. It was as if he had done

something wrong. (Heyrn) — Карел почувствовал неприятны^¹ вкус во рту. У него было такое чувство, точно он сделал что-то дурное.

(b) when the subject of the principal clause is expressed by an abstract noun such as wish, suggestion, aim, idea, etc. In this case the analytical _sUbjunctive with the mood auxiliary should (for all persons) is used:

Mary's wish was that... our mother should come and live with her. (A. Bronte) — Мэри хотелось, чтобы наша мать переехала к ней жить.

One of the conditions was that I should go abroad. (Swinner-ton) — Одно из условий заключалось в том, чтобы я поехал за границу.

The synthetic subjunctive is used in American English and in some cases — in British English.

Our decision is that the school remain closed.

 

§ 12. The Subjunctive Mood is used in subject clauses after a principal clause of the type // is necessary, It is important, etc. The analytical sub­junctive with the mood auxiliary should for all persons or the synthetic subjunctive is used. The latter is more characteristic of American English than of British English, where it is formal in style. There are indications, however, that it is reestablishing itself in British English, probably as a result of American English influence.