Business English Part 38

_Subordinate clause_: Because (as, since) they wished to make the ice smooth, they flooded the pond.

_Participial phrase_: Wis.h.i.+ng to make the ice smooth, they flooded the pond.

_Infinitive phrase_: To make the ice smooth, they flooded the pond.

_Gerund phrase_: Flooding the pond made the ice smooth.

_Prepositional phrase modifying noun subject_: The flooding of the pond made the ice smooth.

Recast each of the following sentences in at least two of the ways shown above:

1. They wished to finish the work so they stayed till six o'clock.

2. John hoped to arrive before the others so he started early.

3. He saw that the cars were not running so he walked so he would be on time.

4. They needed some gasoline so they had to stop at a garage.

5. He wished to make a tool chest so he bought some lumber.

6. They saw that he liked to read so they gave him several books.

7. She wished to make a good appearance at the party so she bought a new dress.

8. He was in a hurry so he walked fast.

9. We were afraid that we'd be late so we ran.

10. The campers thought they'd like a fire so they gathered a quant.i.ty of dry leaves and wood.

11. I was very tired when I reached home so I couldn't go to the lecture.

12. The work was difficult so it took three hours to finish it.

13. The clock needed repairing so he took it to a jeweler's.

14. The coat did not fit so she sent it back.

15. She didn't know where to take the train so she asked a policeman.

=Exercise 122--Mode=

Mode is the form of the verb that indicates the manner of expressing the thought. The _modes_, or _moods_, that every one should be able to distinguish are the _indicative_ and the _subjunctive_. If the verb indicates a fact, we say it is in the indicative mode; if it expresses a supposition, a doubt, a statement contrary to fact, or a wish, we say it is in the subjunctive mode.

You _are_ good. (A fact--indicative.)

I wish I _were_ good. (Contrary to fact, a wish--subjunctive.)

In form the indicative and the subjunctive differ in the present and the past tenses of the verb _to be_, as follows:

=Indicative of _be_=

_Present_ _Past_ I am We are I was We were You are You are You were You were He is They are He was They were

=Subjunctive of _be_=

_Present_ _Past_ If I be If we be If I were If we were If you be If you be If you were If you were If he be If they be If he were If they were

Other verbs in the subjunctive mode do not end in _s_ in the third person singular number, but use the same form as the other persons in the singular number; as, _if he go_, _if she walk_.

_If_, _though_, _although_, or _lest_ usually introduce the subjunctive form.

In modern English, the use of the subjunctive is becoming rare except in the past and past perfect tenses in statements contrary to fact, and in wishes, which are really statements contrary to fact; as,

1. If I were a king (but I'm not), I'd see that my laws were obeyed.

2. I wish I were a king! (but I'm not).

3. If I had been careful, my work would be good. (I was not careful.)

4. I wish I had been careful! (I was not.)

Notice that the verb is in the past or in the past perfect tense.

There are some careful writers who still use the present subjunctive to show a _possibility_; as,

Lest he start too late, remind him again that he must meet the 4:15 train.

In the following sentences, which form is better? May any of the sentences use either form?

1. I wish I _was_--_were_ rich.

2. If I _was_--_were_ you, I should go at once.

3. If his work _was_--_were_ exact, he would have no trouble in holding a position.

4. If it _was_--_were_ true, why didn't you say so?

5. If he _was_--_were_ a millionaire, he could not have been more lavish.

6. If such a thing _was_--_were_ possible, our government would be no government.

7. If the election _was_--_were_ postponed, we should have been informed.