Rewrite the sentences.

We can divide the forms expressing unreal actions into two groups. Name them and explain the difference.

There are problematic actions and actions contrary to reality (counterfactual actions). Problematic actions are questions, the realization of which is doubtful, they may or may not happen. By contrast, counterfactual actions can't be realized.

2. What are the forms we can use to represent a counterfactual action in the past?

a) 3rd conditional

b) I wish + past perfect (*) (I wish I had done sth)

c) If only + past perfect (If only I had done sth)

d) Suppose/supposing +past perfect

e) As if/ as though + past perfect (She looks as if she had seen a ghost.)

(*) я пишу past perfect и далее past simple потому что формы глагола такие, а вообще это past subjunctive, во всяком случае в зеленщикове написано что such forms may be regarded as past subjunctive identical to indicative)

3. What are the forms we use to represent a counterfactual action in the present?

a) 2nd conditional with stative verbs (If I were you...)

b) I wish I were... (I wish I had told him the truth.)

c) If only + past simple - (If only he were/was here.)

d) с. Suppose/supposing/what if + past simple

e) It's (high/about) time + past simple - It's high time we started.

f) As though/as if - She acts as though she were/was the Queen.

4. Why we use were in sentences like "He acts as if he were drunk" or in expressions "If I were you...", "I wish I were.." What is it? Can we use was?

It is the past subjunctive of the verb to be. It is possible to use was forinformal conversations. EXCEPT If I were you, as it were (were is always used)

5. What kind of actions the subjunctive mood expresses?

The subjunctive mood is used to express actions that are unreal or desirable (wish, possibility, opinion, necessity, actions that has not yet happened). It is also used in a number of set phrases expressing wish, oath and swearing, etc. (So be it, God save the Queen, if truth be known, etc.)

6. What are the words that are usually followed by the present subjunctive? What do they denote?

They denote demand/necessity/suggestion/recommendation.

1. Suggest, demand, require, ask, request, order, command, insist, recommend, propose, urge. (in object clauses - I suggest/propose/insist,etc. that the decision should be made.)

2. OR nouns derived from these verbs (in subject predicative clauses - My suggestion/proposal/idea,etc. is that the ceremony should be postponed.)

3. OR adjectives derived from these verbs. (in subject clauses - It is necessary/obligatory/important/requested/vital/urgent,etc. that we should follow the rules.)

7. What kind of unreality we express if we use the second conditional?

We use the second conditional with dynamic verbs to express problematic actions. With stative verbs it denotes a counterfactual action in the present. (If I were you...)

8. When can we use will after if?

It is used to express a very polite request. (If you would be so kind as to hold my bag for a minute) It is also used to express disapproval when someone insists on doing something. (If you will drive so fast, it's not surprising you'll have an accident.)

PRACTICE

Rewrite the sentences.

1. It's getting late. I think we ought to leave.

It's time we were leaving.

2. It doesn't matter what happens, we'll still go somewhere nice for your birthday.

Come what may, we'll still go somewhere nice for your birthday.

3. Even if what you say is true, there is still no reason to think it isn't her money.
Be that as it may, there is still no reason to think it isn't her money.

4. Fortunately, they're on e-mail, otherwise they'd never have received the news in time.

Were they not on e-mail, they'd never received the news in time.

5. They may change their minds, in which case they'll let us know.

Should they change their minds, they'll let us know.

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