oxford_guide_to_english_grammar

29 SENTENCES WITH MORE THAN ONE CLAUSE PAGE 322
NOTE
a After it's time we use the unreal past.
It's time I got my hair cut. It's rather long.
We can also use these patterns.
It's time for tea. It's time to get the tea ready.
b After as if/as though we can also use a present tense.
Gary behaves as if he owns/owned the place.
b
After suppose, supposing or if we can use either the present or the past for a
possible future action.
Suppose/Supposing something goes/went wrong, what then?
What if you don't/didn't have enough money to get home?
242 The subjunctive
1 The subjunctive is the base form of a verb.
The committee recommended that the scheme go ahead.
The Opposition are insisting that the Minister resign.
It is important that an exact record be kept.
We can use the subjunctive in a that-clause after verbs and adjectives expressing
the idea that an action is necessary, e.g. ask, demand, insist, propose, recommend,
request, suggest; advisable, anxious, desirable, eager, essential, important,
necessary, preferable, willing.
NOTE
It often makes no difference whether a form is subjunctive or not.
We recommend that both schemes go ahead.
2 The subjunctive is rather formal. It is used more in American English. In British
English we often we use should instead, or we use the normal form of the verb.
The committee recommended that the scheme should go ahead.
The Opposition are insisting that the Minister resigns.
NOTE
After an adjective we can use a to-infinitive.
It is important to keep an exact record.
3 There are some expressions that we use for something unreal, e.g. suppose, wish,
would rather, if, as if/as though, • 241(3). After these expressions we can use the
past subjunctive were instead of was.
Suppose the story was/were true.
The man looked as if he was/were drunk.
But were is a little formal and old-fashioned here, except in the phrase if I were you
(= in your place).
If I were you, I'd accept the offer.