1. Unit 23 Grammar Notes
More Conditions:
The Subjunctive
Page 399

2. Implied Conditions
Nonstandard
Condition
= Implied Condition Result Clause
With a bit of luck, (if we have a bit of
luck,)
we can fix the
problem.
Without your help, (if you hadn’t
helped,)
we wouldn’t have
succeeded.
But for his
investments,
(if he didn’t have
any investments,)
he would have no
income.
She might be lucky;
if so,
(if she is lucky,) she’ll meet some
new friends.
He might get the
chance; if not,
(if he doesn’t get
the chance,)
he won’t *get the
job.
She is lonely;
otherwise,
(if she weren’t
lonely,)
she wouldn’t *call
me all the time.

3. Inverted Conditions
Inverted Condition = Standard
Condition
Result Clause
Were he in love, (if he were in love,) he would get
married.
Were he not in
love,
(if he weren’t in
love,)
he wouldn’t get
married.
Had I seen her, (if I had seen her,) I would have called
you.
Should we *win the
game,
(if we should win
the game
= *if we win the
game,)
we will celebrate.

4. The Subjunctive in Noun Clauses
Verbs of Advice, Necessity and Urgency + Subjunctive
Noun Clause Main Clause
Frank’s teacher
suggested
(that) he take an additional class.
His doctor
recommended
(that) he quit smoking.
The boss demanded (that) Rose arrive at work by 9:00.
The fireman
insisted
(that) she leave the burning building
immediately.

5. The Subjunctive in Noun Clauses
Adjectives of Advice, Necessity and Urgency + Subjunctive
Noun Clause Main Clause
It is advisable (that) he arrive half an hour before the
appointment.
It is mandatory (that) no one enter the building without a
permit.
It is urgent (that) she call home at once.

6. For a list of verbs and
phrases followed by the
subjunctive, see Appendix
24 on page A-10.