#Modality. The use of oblique moods in simple sentence.
Modality – a speaker’s or writer’s attitude towards a state of the world. Modality shows whether something is real or true. Mood is a means of expressing modality. It’s the form of the verb which shows in what relation to reality the speaker places the action expressed by the predicate verb.
The Oblique Moods express unreal hypothetical or problematic actions.
We can use Subjunctive I, II, Suppositional or Conditional Mood in simple sentences.
SUBJUNCTIVE I:
a) Formulaic expressions denoting wish, concession
Long live the Queen! Come what may!
b) Commands, request with indefinite pronouns as subjects
Everybody leave the room.
SUPPOSITIONAL:
a) Beginning with And what if…?
SUBJUNCTIVE II:
a) Wish or regret
Oh that… If only…
b) Desirability, possibility (with modal verbs would, could, might)
Where could we stay for the night?
c) Preference – would rather + infinitive
I would rather stay at home
d) Advice – had better +infinitive
CONDITIONAL:
a) With expressions But for… Except for… In your place…
b) With implied condition
I wouldn’t insist on it (in your place)
c) To sound polite, less straightforward
I should like to speak to you
The Oblique Moods express unreal hypothetical or problematic actions.
We can use Subjunctive I, II, Suppositional or Conditional Mood in simple sentences.
SUBJUNCTIVE I:
a) Formulaic expressions denoting wish, concession
Long live the Queen! Come what may!
b) Commands, request with indefinite pronouns as subjects
Everybody leave the room.
SUPPOSITIONAL:
a) Beginning with And what if…?
SUBJUNCTIVE II:
a) Wish or regret
Oh that… If only…
b) Desirability, possibility (with modal verbs would, could, might)
Where could we stay for the night?
c) Preference – would rather + infinitive
I would rather stay at home
d) Advice – had better +infinitive
CONDITIONAL:
a) With expressions But for… Except for… In your place…
b) With implied condition
I wouldn’t insist on it (in your place)
c) To sound polite, less straightforward
I should like to speak to you