Now I want a grammar thread

Eight or possibly nine?

Far be it from me to object.
If need be and if it please the Gransnet, let the truth be told, come what may.
Heaven forbid and perish the thought that we might take offence.
God save the Queen.

That was for Jings Specially crafted. As ever, the conversation moves on while I compose a post.

Deep breath.

The most common use of the subjunctive in English these days is in clauses which describe situations which are highly figurative and not realistic.

For instance in the (NONsubjunctive) you might say "He said he was in love with me, but if he was he did not behave like it" - that is, "well, maybe he was, maybe he wasn't, I am not sure"

In the subjunctive you might say "Merlin is not a personal friend of mine , but if he were, I would spend a lot of time in his company" - that is, "He is not and probably never will be, but I can fantasise . . ."

Petallus - the subjunctive impacts on what was said because it means that what people thought was said wasn't said in fact because there was the correct use of the subjunctive in what was said

Are there any trees left in your bit of Scotland?

Ooooooooooo thatbags you are awful! What a tease......half mentioning a post and leaving those of us who missed the original post in a state of wanting more.
What's it all about?
Do tell.

How are your muscles coming on Bags?

The subjunctive mood impacts because it removes any ouch. Being offended by what someone else says is very largely a choice, I think. I also think some people are able to make this choice more easily than others.

Now, I've really gone to do woody stuff.

The subtlety is what I love about it.

Gotta go and tighten the chain on my chainsaw and cut some wood now.

Laters.... (as they say)

I remember the sentence and thought 'ouch' when I read it.

Not sure how the subjunctive mood thingie impacts on what was said though.

Would that we were more precise .

This is all beyond the totally ignorant. It is a long time since I went to school and I am afraid that phrases like that were lost on me then, I need an explanation please.

No. Please don't tell me!

Sounds bonkers to me.

And WTF is the subjunctive?

Be that as it may, if I were you, I would take care with the subjunctive mood, lest we get it wrong.

Hello GT

Not sure that would be wise, soutra but I can tell you the subjunctive 'trigger' (don't know the proper name, if there is one). Essentially what I was saying is "I would not be offended even if...." and then the bit that was, ahem, liable to misinterpretation followed.

Yes, yes, anyone who was outraged/thought it offensive, etc... I meant exactly what I said and what I said was not what clearly at least one person thought (because I had a friendly wee note from HQ).

And that word 'friendly' means exactly what it says too, nothing more, nothing less. It is not sarcasm and neither was the comment that provoked the reporting thereof which lead to the wee note.

I seem to have got my boots stuck in the mud, soutra! Giz a hand, would you?

Yes please - point to it - I love a good subjunctive debate!

Having had fun(?) trying to explain its use in French and German I am always appreciative of its observance in English! But I missed whatever happened yesterday- can you quote or at least point me to it?