Talk:Mood
Shouldn't you mention, in connection with the subjunctive, that little word be?
Some of its usages are no doubt archaic (cf. The Book of Common Prayer: "At which day of Marriage, if any man do alledge and declare any impediment .... then the solemnization must be deferred, until such time as the truth be tried. If no impediment be alledged, then shall the Curate say unto the Man," etc., etc.)
But there are modern usages: "We support the recommendation that there be greater disclosure ...", "It was suggested that there be a separate meeting to focus on parking ..." etc. (Google the phrase "that there be" for nearly half a million hits!). I suppose this sort of be is short for should be. Is it an Americanism?
And, of course, there is the use of be as an imperative: be not afraid, be assured that ..., be a good boy!; But that belongs on another page. AlOGrady 17:32, 1 May 2008 (BST)
- Thanks again for the attention you are giving AWE. You remind me that haven't yet fully drafted the article on the subjunctive. This is a thought to which I keep returning, and I have not fully decided how to treat it. (You may notice that at least have inserted a link in this page - to a "Wanted Page" - i.e. one not written yet. It will be. Some day. I trust!) Thanks particularly for the emphasis on 'be'. This begins to formulate the relevant article. Are you aware that the Americans by and large use this kind of subjunctive more rigorously than the British?
