More Moodiness: The English Subjunctive III

Yesterday we talked about the subjunctive as a world of hypothetical realtiy. But the subjunctive dreamworld doesn’t require an “if ... then ... would” statement. We also use it to try and bring about what may be:

I insist that he buy Josie the plane ticket.
By the way, Josie prefers that the chauffeur be prompt.

Here again, use the base form of the verb (the infinitive without to) as the subjunctive, regardless of the subject: climb, be, judge, have, build, do, eviscerate, etc.

I’m Wishing ...

As is true with the Romance languages, isolated cases of the subjunctive stand alone as oddballs. For example:

I wish I were going with her.
We wish Josie were more generous.

Why not “I wish I be going” or “I wish I go”? No reason; no logic. Use were for all persons (she, we, you, I) because “to be” is an irregular verb. For all other verbs, the simple past will do:

Don’t you wish Josie had a bigger suitcase?

The same goes for the construction “If only ...” It really is no different than the “if ... then” construction we talked about yesterday, but often the conditional clause (“...then I would ...”) is omitted:

If only he were more handsome!
If only we had more time!

I’m Hoping ...

For some reason, hoping is not the same as wishing. It doesn’t require the subjunctive. Don’t we love that wacky English grammar? Use the regular indicative mood instead:

We hope Josie has a wonderful time.
I hope you will come with us to the airport to see Josie off.

But I Read That Somewhere

Will you see these rules violated in print? Yes. Many times. A lot of editors, not to say writers, are pulling away from the subjunctive because (a) they don’t understand when to use it or (b) not enough people care anymore. I make a case for it only because I truly love its elegance. It shows a subtlety of meaning that gives our language grace and nuance. But that’s just my take on it. And since it's my blog, I get to say what I think. Feel free to comment, take issue, disagree, whatever. I'll certainly approve the positive feedback so that everyone can see it.

If only this were the end of our moodiness! Alas, there are no cancellations due to inclement weather at The LetterPress. Be back here at nine(ish) sharp tomorrow for the quiz!