The Use of the Subjunctive Mood

SIMPLE SENTENCES

§ 5. In simple sentences the synthetic forms of the Subjunctive Mood are more frequent than the analytical forms.

In simple sentences the Subjunctive Mood is used:

(1)to express wish (пожелание):

Long live the University of St. Petersburg! — Да здравствует

Петербургский университет!

Success attend you! — Да сопутствует вам успех!

God save the Queen! — Боже, храни королеву!

То express wish the analytical subjunctive with the mood auxiliary may is also used.

May success attend you! — Да сопутствует вам успех! May you live long and die happy! — Желаю вам долго жить и быть счастливым до конца своих дней.

(2)to express an unreal wish:

If only he were free! (Galsworthy) — Если бы только он был свободен!

(3)in oaths and imprecations:

Manners be hanged! — К черту всякие церемонии! Confound these flies! — Будь они прокляты, эти мухи!

(4)in some expressions:

Suffice it to say that... Be it so! God forbid!

Far be it from me...

(See the translation of these examples, § 2.) The Subjunctive Mood in simple sentences is characteristic of literary style, except in oaths and imprecations, which belong to low colloquial style.

II. COMPLEX SENTENCES

§ 6. The Subjunctive Mood is used in conditional sentences to express an unreal condition (in the subordinate clause) and an unreal conse­quence (in the principal clause).

In sentences of unreal condition referring to the present or fu­ture the Past Subjunctive of the verb to be is used in the subordinate clause; with other verbs the same meaning is expressed by the Past Indefinite of the Indicative Mood. In the principal clause we find the analytical subjunctive consisting of the mood auxiliary would and the Indefinite Infinitive. Nowadays there is a tendency to use would for all the persons. But in British English sometimes the difference between should as used with the first person singular and plural and would as used with the second and third persons singular and plural is maintained.

The world would be healthier if every chemist's shop in England were demolished. (Shaw) — Человечество было бы здоровее, если бы все аптеки в Англии были уничтожены. I should kill myself today if I didn't believe that tyranny and injustice must end. (Galsworthy) — Я бы сегодня же покончила с собой, если бы не верила, что тирании и несправедливости придет конец.

If you helped me, I would finish the work shortly.

An unreal condition referring to the future can also be expressed by the Past Subjunctive of the verb to be + Infinitive of the notional verb or the analytical Subjunctive with the mood auxiliary should for all the persons. Such sentences are often translated by means of'Если бы случилось так...\ 'Случись так...'.

If I were to offer my home..., my station..., my affections... to any one among the young women engaged in my calling, they would probably be accepted. Even readily accepted. (Dickens) — Если бы случилось так, что я предложил бы свой дом, свое поло­жение в обществе, свою любовь любой молодой женщине моей профессии, все это, вероятно, было бы принято. Даже охотно принято.

Well, Major, if you should send me to a difficult spot — with this man alone, I'd feel secure. (Heym) — Знаете, майор, если бы случилось так, что вы послали бы меня в опасное место только с одним этим человеком, я бы чувствовал себя в безопасности.

If in the subordinate clause the mood auxiliary should is used, we often find the Indicative or Imperative Mood in the principal clause.

If any of your family should come to my house, I shall be de­lighted to welcome them... (Trollope) — Если кому-нибудь из членов вашей семьи случится прийти в мой дом, я буду рад принять его.

If he should come, ask him to wait. — В случае, если он придет, попросите его подождать.

In sentences of unreal condition referring to the past the Past Perfect of the Indicative Mood is used in the subordinate clause; in the prin­cipal clause we find the analytical subjunctive consisting of the mood auxiliary would and the Perfect Infinitive. Similar to the sentences of unreal condition referring to the present and future, would is normally used for all the persons nowadays.

If I had been at home last night, I would have heard the noise. If I had consulted my own interests, I should never have come here. (Galsworthy) — Если бы я думал только о себе, я бы никогда сюда не пришел.

There are two mixed types of sentences of unreal condition. In the first of these the condition refers to the past and the consequence refers to the present or future.

If you had taken your medicine yesterday, you would be well now. — Если бы вы вчера приняли лекарство, теперь вы были бы здоровы.

No, by my word and truth, I never despised you; if I had I should not love you now! (Hardy) — Нет, клянусь вам, я вас никогда не презирал; если бы я вас когда-нибудь презирал, я не любил бы вас теперь.

In the second type the condition refers to no particular time and the consequence to the past.

If he were not so absent-minded, he would not have mistaken you for your sister. — Если бы он не был такой рассеянный, он не принял бы вас за вашу сестру.

Still Beatrice had taken the trouble to go up to London and to buy the books for me. She would not have done that if she disliked me. (Du Maurier) — Все-таки Беатриса взяла на себя труд съездить в Лондон и купить мне эти книги. Она бы этого не сделала, если бы не любила меня.

Note. Unreal conditions may also be expressed in the following ways:

(a) But for the rain, we should go down to the country. — Если бы не дождь, мы бы поехали за город. His fleshless face would have looked like the face of a mummy, but for the restless brightness of his little black eyes. (Collins) — Его изможденное лицо было бы похоже на лицо мумии, если бы не беспокойный блеск маленьких черных глаз.

(b) If it were not for your help, I should not be able to finish my work in time. — Если бы не ваша помощь, я не смог бы вовремя закончить работу.

If it hadn't been for me, his own brother would have shut him up for life. (Dickens) — Если бы не я, его собственный брат засадил бы его (в сумасшедший дом) на всю жизнь.

In sentences of unreal condition the modal verbs might and could are often used; they fully retain their modal meaning and therefore they do not form the analytical subjunctive.

Here we have the group 'modal verb + Infinitive' which forms a compound verbal modal predicate, whereas the analytical subjunctive forms a simple predicate.

If she were still waiting, she might be restless, feverish, but surely she would not look like this. (Galsworthy) — Если бы она все еще ждала, она, возможно, нервничала бы, но, безусловно, она не выглядела бы так.

I could have done very well if I had been without the Murd- stones. (Dickens) — Я мог бы очень хорошо учиться, если бы не Мердстоны.

Would, when used in the subordinate clause of a sentence of unreal condition, is also a modal verb forming with the infinitive a compound verbal modal predicate.

If you would come and see us..., mother would be as proud of your company as I should be. (Dickens) — Если бы вы пожела­ли навестить нас..., моя матушка была бы так же польщена этим, как и я.

N o t e. In conditional scntcnccs of real condition naturally the Indicative and not the Subjunctive Mood is used. Such sentences can refer to the present, future or past.

But I can bear anything gladly if you are happy. (Eliot)

If you make this disgusting match, you will never see Hector

again. (Shaw)

The whole thing was on his conscience — for if Jon had anything, he had a conscience. (Galsworthy)

The conjunctions introducing adverbial clauses of condition are: if, in case, provided, suppose, unless and some others, /f is the most common conjunction used in sentences of real and unreal condition.

In case and provided are chiefly used in sentences of real condi- tion.

In case I don't find her at home, I'll leave her a note. — В случае, если я не застану ее дома, я оставлю ей записку I shall go there provided you consent to accompany me. (Ch. ВгоМё) — Я пойду туда при условии, что вы согласитесь пойти со мной.

Suppose is more common in sentences of unreal condition.

Suppose he wrote to you, would you answer? — Предположим, он написал бы вам, вы бы ответили?

Unless is used in sentences of real and unreal condition.

I'll come in time unless I am detained at the University — Я приду вовремя, если меня не задержат в университете. Isabel would not have engaged herself to Mr. Hardyman unless she had been fond of him. (Collins) — Изабелла не согласилась бы выйти за мистера Хардимена, если бы не любила его.

Note. Unless has a negative meaning; it corresponds to the Russian если не. There are cases, however, when the Russian если не cannot be rendered in English by unless; only if not is possible.

Осторожно переходите улицу, если не хотите попасть под машину — Cross the street carefully if you don't want to be run over.

In this sentence unless would sound ironically (разве что тебе захочется попасть под машину).

Adverbial clauses of condition containing the verbs had, were, could and should are often introduced without any conjunction. In these cases we find inversion.

Had the wanderer remained awake for another half-hour, a strange sight would have met his eyes. (Conan Doyle) — Если бы путешественник продолжал бодрствовать еще в течение получаса, его глазам представилось бы странное зрелище. I should be myself were I once again among the heather in those hills. (E. Bronte) — Я стала бы такой, как прежде, если бы вновь очутилась на этих холмах, поросших вереском.

Mary would indeed have been grateful to Miss Dunstable, could she have known all that lady did for her. (Trollope) — Мэри и в самом деле была бы очень благодарна мисс Данстэбл, если бы она могла знать все, что эта дама для нее сделала. Should he come this way, I will speak to him. (Ch. Bronte) — Если ему случится быть здесь, я поговорю с ним.

The Subjunctive Mood is used in sentences expressing what may be understood as an unreal consequence, the condition of which is not expressed as such.

I suppose you are a stranger in these parts, or you would have heard what happened last autumn. (Ch. Bronte) — Наверно, вы приезжая, иначе вы бы знали о том, что случилось здесь осенью.

There was no piano... because it would have taken up much room. (Galsworthy) — Рояля не было..., так как он занял бы много места.

§ 7. The Subjunctive Mood is used in adverbial clauses of purpose. When a clause of purpose is introduced by the conjunctions that, so that, in order that, we find the analytical subjunctive with the mood auxiliary may (might) if the principal clause refers to the present or future; if the principal clause refers to the past, only the form might is used.

As has already been, stated (see § 3), the mood auxiliary may (might) retains in this case a shade of modality.

She opens (will open) the window that she may (might) get a breath of fresh air.

She opened the window that she might get a breath of fresh air.

Order a conveyance to be at the door to-morrow evening, rather earlier than is absolutely necessary, in order that we may be in good time. (Dickens) — Прикажите подать экипаж завтра вече­ром пораньше, чтобы мы приехали заблаговременно (чтобы мы могли приехать заблаговременно). Mr. Micawber impressed the names of streets upon me that I might find my way back easily. (Dickens) — Мистер Микобер заставил меня запомнить названия улиц, чтобы я легко нашел дорогу обратно (чтобы я мог легко найти дорогу обратно). Не got up, cautiously, so that he might not wake the sleeping boy. (Cronin) — Он тихо поднялся, чтобы не разбудить спя­щего мальчика.

If a clause of purpose is introduced by lest the mood auxiliary should (for all persons) is generally used. The synthetic form of the Subjunctive Mood is also possible. Zesf has a negative meaning (что- бы не).

She opens (opened, will open) the window lest it should be stuffy in the room.

The President must reject this proposal lest it should cause (cause) strife and violence.

In British English lest is restricted to very formal usage, but in American English it is more current.

§ 8. The Subjunctive Mood is used in adverbial clauses of concession. Adverbial clauses of concession are introduced by the conjunctions and connectives though, although, however; no matter; whatever; whoever; etc. The analytical subjunctive with the mood auxiliary may (might) is generally used.

Though he may (might) be tired

Tired though he may (might) be } he will go to the concert.

No matter how tired he may (might) be

However tired he may (might) be

 

Как бы он ни был утомлен, он пойдет на концерт.

Whatever obstacles may arise, we shall not give in. — Какие бы препятствия ни встали на нашем пути, они нас не оста­новят.

You're my daughter, Alice. Although you may never admit it, you're like me. (Gowand D'Usseau) — Ты моя дочь, Алиса. Хотя бы ты с этим и не соглашалась, ты похожа на меня. Remember, the truth, however ashamed of it you may be, is bet­ter than any lie. (Dreiser) — Помните, что правда, как бы вы ни стыдились ее, лучше, чем любая ложь. I must return to the city, no matter what dangers may lurk there. (Dreiser) — Я должен вернуться в город, какие бы опасности ни поджидали меня там.

... I should like to do some good to you and your husband, who­ever he may be. (Hardy) — Я хотел бы быть полезным вам и вашему мужу, кто бы он ни был.

If the action of the subordinate clause is prior to that of the principal clause the Perfect Infinitive is generally used.

However badly he may have behaved to you in the past he is still your brother. (Wilde) — Как бы плохо он ни вел себя по отношению к вам в прошлом, он все же ваш брат.

Note. The Indicative Mood is used in adverbial clauses of concession when the action or state is considered as an actual fact and not as some­thing supposed.

Compare:

Cold though it may be, we shall go to the skating-rink. (Subjunc­tive Mood) — Как бы ни было холодно, мы пойдем на каток. Cold as it is, we shall go to the skating-rink. (Indicative Mood) — Как ни холодно, мы пойдем на каток.

§ 9. The Subjunctive Mood is used in adverbial clauses of time and place after the conjunctions whenever and wherever; in these cases the clauses have an additional concessive meaning.

Whenever you may (might) come, you are welcome. — Когда

бы вы ни пришли, мы вам всегда рады.

Wherever she may (might) live, she will always find friends. —

Где бы она ни жила, она всегда найдет друзей.

Of course, I shall come for your marriage, whenever that may be

fixed. (Trollope) — Конечно, я приеду на вашу свадьбу, когда

бы ее ни назначили.

§ 10. The Subjunctive Mood is used in adverbial clauses of comparison

(or manner) introduced by the conjunctions as if and as though (the latter is more literary).

If the action of the subordinate clause is simultaneous with that of the principal clause the Past Subjunctive of the verb to be is used; with other verbs the same meaning is expressed by the Past Indefinite of the Indicative Mood.

She speaks (spoke) about him as if she knew him well. — Она говорит (говорила) о нем так, как будто она его хорошо знает (знала).

She greeted him as if he were her brother. (Galsworthy) — Она поздоровалась с ним так, как будю ин был ее браiим. Не speaks as if he knew you! (Collins) — Он говорит так, как будто он вас знает!

Rex got from his seat, as if he held the conference to be at an end. (Eliot) — Рекс поднялся с места, как будто он считал совещание оконченным.

If the action of the subordinate clause is prior to that of the principal clause the Past Perfect of the Indicative Mood is used.

She speaks (spoke) about him as if she had known him for years. — Она говорит (говорила) о нем так, как будто знает (знала) его много лет.

She flushes as though he had struck her. (Shaw) — Она зали­вается краской, как будто он ее ударил. She shook hands with him as though they had known each other all their lives... (Trollope) — Они пожали друг другу руки, как будто были знакомы всю жизнь.

§11. The Subjunctive Mood is used in predicative clauses:

(a) introduced by the conjunctions as if as though, when we find the link verbs to be, to feel, to look, to seem, etc. in the principal clause.

If the action of the subordinate clause is simultaneous with that of the principal clause the Past Subjunctive of the verb to be is used; with other verbs the same meaning is expressed by the Past Indefinite of the Indicative Mood.

If the action of the subordinate clause is prior to that of the principal clause the Past Perfect of the Indicative Mood is used.

I feel as if we were back seven years, Jon. (Galsworthy) — V меня такое чувство, как будто мы вернулись на семь лет назад, Джон.

... now I feel as if you had never been away (Shaw) — Теперь V

меня такое чувство, как будто вы и не уезжали.

Не looked as if he knew it to be true. (Austen) — У него был

такой вид, точно он знал, что это правда.

The house looked as though it had been deserted for weeks.

(Wells) — У дома был такой вид, точно в нем уже много недель

никто не жил.

It was as if she were angry with him. (Lawrence) — Похоже было, что она сердится на него.

Karel felt a bitter taste in his mouth. It was as if he had done something wrong. (Heym) — Карел почувствовал неприятный" вкус во рту. У него было такое чувство, точно он сделал что- то дурное.

(b) when the subject of the principal clause is expressed by an abstract noun such as wish, suggestion, aim, idea, etc. In this case the analytical subjunctive with the mood auxiliary should (for all persons) is used:

Mary's wish was that... our mother should come and live with her. (A. Bronte) — Мэри хотелось, чтобы наша мать переехала к ней жить.

One of the conditions was that I should go abroad. (Swinner- ton) — Одно из условий заключалось в том, чтобы я поехал за границу.

The synthetic subjunctive is used in American English and in some cases — in British English.

Our decision is that the school remain closed.

§ 12. The Subjunctive Mood is used in subject clauses after a principal clause of the type It is necessary, It is important, etc. The analytical sub­junctive with the mood auxiliary should for all persons or the synthetic subjunctive is used. The latter is more characteristic of American English than of British English, where it is formal in style. There are indications, however, that it is reestablishing itself in British English, probably as a result of American English influence.

It is (was) necessary

It is (was) important

It is (was) right

It is (was) requested

It is (was) recommended

It is (was) obligatory

It is (was) better (best)

It is (was) desirable

It is (was) of vital importance

 

 

}

 

 

that he should come (come)

 

 

It was necessary that the child's history should be known to none. (Trollope) — Надо было, чтобы историю этого ребенка никто не узнал.

It was desirable that she... should marry this earnest, well-to- do and respectable man. (Hardy) — Было желательно, чтобы она вышла замуж за этого серьезного, состоятельного и солидного человека.

It is better for these young men... that they should not remain here. (Dickens) — Для этих молодых людей... лучше, чтобы они не оставались здесь.

It was imperative that she should go home. (Hardy) — Было совершенно необходимо, чтобы она поехала домой. It was urgent that she leave at once. It was recommended that we wait for the authorities.

§13. The Subjunctive Mood is used in object clauses:

(a) When the predicate of the principal clause is expressed by the verb to wish. If the action expressed in the object clause is simultane­ous with that of the principal clause the Past Subjunctive of the verb to be is used; with other verbs the same meaning is expressed by the Past Indefinite of the Indicative Mood.

I wish I were a girl again. (E. Bronte) — Я хотела бы быть снова девочкой.

She wished she were free and could follow them. (Ch. ВгоМё) - Она жалела, что не свободна и не может поехать с ними. I wish she felt as I do. (E. Bronte) — Я бы хотела, чтобы она чувствовала то же, что и я.

Не wished he had someone to talk to... (Wilson) — Он хотел, чтобы у него был кто-нибудь, с кем можно было бы поговорить.

 

If the action expressed in the object clause is prior to that of the principal clause the Past Perfect of the Indicative Mood is used.

Auntie, I wish I had not done it. (Twain) — Тетя, мне очень жаль, что, я это сделал.

The moment Aileen had said this she wished she had not. (Dreiser) — Как только Эйлин это сказала, она пожалела об этом.

The above examples show that such sentences are often translated by means of как жаль, мне жаль.

The analytical subjunctive with the mood auxiliary would (for all per­sons) is also used in object clauses after the verb to wish. This form is used only in sentences referring to the present or future; it is possible only if the subject of the principal clause is not the same as the subject of the object clause. It is chiefly used in sentences expressing request or annoyance.

I wish you would stay with me for a while. (Voynich) — Я бы хотел, чтобы вы побыли немного со мной, i wish the honourable district attorney would mind his own bus: ness. (Dreiser) — Я бы хотел, чтобы почтенный адвокат не вмешивался в чужие дела.

With the verb to be this form is hardly ever used.

(b)The Subjunctive Mood is used in object clauses introduced by the conjunction lest if in the principal clause the predicate is expressed by a verb denoting fear.

The mood auxiliary should is used for all persons.

She fears (feared) lest she should be blamed. — Она боится (боялась), как бы ее не осудили.

Не trembled lest his secret should be discovered. — Он дрожал при мысли, что его тайна будет раскрыта. I dreaded lest any stranger should notice me and speak to me. (Eliot) — Я боялась, что какой-нибудь незнакомый человек заметит меня и заговорит со мной.

After verbs denoting fear object clauses are often introduced by the conjunction that, in which case the Indicative Mood is used, often with the modal verb may (might).

She fears (feared) that she will (would) be blamed.

She fears (feared) that she may (might) be blamed.

(c)The Subjunctive Mood is used in object clauses when we find verbs and word-groups denoting order, suggestion, advice, desire, etc. in the principal clause. The analytical subjunctive with the mood auxiliary should (for all persons) is used.

He orders (ordered)

He suggests (suggested) He proposes (proposed)

He demands (demanded) He desires (desired)

He insists (insisted)

He is anxious (was anxious)

He will see (he saw) to it

 

 

}

 

 

That everything should be read by 5

 

Mrs. Linton insisted that Isabella should go to bed. (E. Bronte) — Миссис Линтон настаивала на том, чтобы Изабелла легла спать.

She (Agnes) proposed to my aunt that we should go upstairs and see my room. (Dickens) — Она предложила моей тетушке, чтобы мы пошли наверх и посмотрели мою комнату. Mr. Micawber was very anxious that I should stay to dinner. (Dickens) — Мистеру Микоберу очень хотелось, чтобы я ос­тался обедать.

In American English we find the Present Subjunctive in this case, whereas in British English constructions with the Present Subjunctive are formal in style.

... she insisted that they open a bottle of wine and toast his success. (Stone) — Она настаивала, чтобы они откупорили бутылку вина и выпили за его успех.

The people demand that the resignation be accepted. (Heym) - Народ требует, чтобы отставка была принята.

§14. The Subjunctive Mood is used in attributive appositive clauses

modifying the nouns wish, suggestion, aim, idea, etc. The analytical subjunctive with the mood auxiliary should (for all persons) or the synthetic subjunctive is used.

His wish (suggestion) that everybody should take part in the work was reasonable.

She had been enormously flattered by his request that she should temporarily keep his house. (Bennett) — Она была чрезвычайно польщена его просьбой временно вести его хозяйство.

§ 15. The Subjunctive Mood is also used in attributive clauses modifying the noun time in the principal clause It is time, It is high time. In this case the Past Subjunctive of the verb to be is used; with other verbs the same meaning is expressed by the Past Indefinite of the Indicative Mood.

It is time we went home. — Нам пора идти домой. It is high time we went home. — Нам давно пора идти до­мой.

It's time you learned you're in the army. (Heym) — Вам пора усвоить, что вы в армии.

Now then, children. It's high time you were washed and dressed. (Mansfield) — Ну, дети, давно пора умываться и одеваться.

The analytical subjunctive with the mood auxiliary should is also possible, though less common.

It is time we should go home. It was indeed high time that some one... should come to the aid of the old farmer and his adopted daughter. (Conan Doyle) — Уже давно было пора кому-нибудь прийти на помощь старому фермеру и его приемной дочери.

§ 16. As has already been stated the Subjunctive Mood may be used to express an emotional attitude of the speaker to real facts (see § l). Here we always find the analytical subjunctive with the mood auxiliary should, which in this case is often called the 'emotional should\ If priority is expressed the Perfect Infinitive is used.

In this case the Subjunctive Mood is rendered in Russian by the Indicative Mood.

The emotional should occurs in different kinds of subordinate clauses; the principal clause in such cases contains:

(a)An adjective expressing astonishment, incredulity, regret, joy, such as strange, wonderful, unnatural, impossible, fortunate, unfortunate, etc.

It is strange I should never have heard him even mention your name. (Austen) — Странно, что я никогда даже не слышала, чтобы он упоминал ваше имя.

It is impossible that she should have said it. — He может быть (невозможно), чтобы она это сказала (не могла она это ска­зать).

(b)A noun with the same meaning: wonder, pity, shame, etc.

He is such a charming man that it is quite a pity he should be so grave and so dull. (Austen) — Он такой чудесный человек; как жаль, что он такой серьезный и скучный.

(c)The principal clause may be of the following type: I am sorry, glad, pleased, vexed, etc.

I am sorry you should take such needless trouble. (Ch. Bronte) — Мне очень жаль, что вы берете на себя такие ненужные заботы.

Against my will I felt pleased that he should have considered my remark interesting... (Braine)— Невольно я обрадовался тому, что он нашел мое замечание интересным. I am so vexed... that such a thing should have been discussed before that child. (Reade) — Мне так досадно, что подобный вопрос обсуждался при ребенке.

I forgive you, but I am so grieved, Davy, that you should have such bad passions in your heart. (Dickens) — Я тебя прощаю, но я так огорчена, Дэви, что в твоем сердце гнездится столько

The Subjunctive Mood with the emotional should may also occur in such sentences as:

Why should you and I talk about it? (Dickens) — К чему нам с вами говорить об этом?

То think this should have come upon us in our old age! (Har­dy) — Подумать только, что на старости лет с нами случилось такое!

I was still busy, when who should come in but Caddy! (Dick­ens) — Я была еще занята, как вдруг вошла — кто бы вы думали? — Кэдди!

In sentences of this kind the Indicative Mood is also possible.

Oh! It is strange he never mentioned to me that he had a ward. (Wilde)

It is only wonderful we have seen no living creature there before. (Collins)

... to think that I have been so blind! (Dickens)

§17. Ways of rendering the Subjunctive Mood in Russian.

The Subjunctive Mood in English often corresponds to the same mood in Russian.

I wish you'd come oftener to see us. (Dreiser) — Я хотела бы, чтобы вы почаще заходили к нам.

I wonder sometimes, when I think of it, what they would have done, if I had been taken with an illness. (Dickens) — Я иногда думаю о том, как бы они поступили, если бы я заболел.

However, this is not the only way of rendering the Subjunctive Mood in Russian: it is often rendered by the Indicative Mood; sometimes the infinitive is used.

Barsiny received them as if he had known them for years. (Heym) — Барсини принял их так, как будто он знал их много лет.

In the first place, he showed him Mary's letter. "If your heart be not made of stone it will be softened by that," he said. (Trollope) — Пре­жде всего он показал ему письмо Мэри. «Если у вас сердце не каменное, это письмо тронет вас», — сказал он. I regret extremely Mr. Helstone should have thought it necessary to trouble you. (Ch. ВгоМё) — Я очень сожалею, что мистер Хелстоун счел необходимым побеспокоить вас. I proposed to Ada, that morning, that we should go and see Richard (Dickens) — Утром я прея^пожипа Аде пойти навес­тить Ричарда.

And he again took her hand that he might encourage her. (Trol­lope) — И он опять взял ее за руку, чтобы подбодрить.

 

 

Chapter VIII

THE NON-FINITE FORMS OF THE VERB (THE VERBALS)

 

§ 1. The verb has finite and non-finite forms, the latter being also called verbals. The verbals, unlike the finite forms of the verb, do not express person, number or mood. Therefore they cannot be used as the predicate of a sentence.

Like the finite forms of the verb the verbals have tense and voice distinctions, but their tense distinctions differ greatly from those of the finite verb. (For detailed treatment of the tense distinctions of verbals see § 2.)

There are three verbals in English: the participle, the gerund and the infinitive.

In Russian we also have three non-finite forms of the verb, but they do not fully coincide with those in the English language (причастие, деепричастие, инфинитив).

Note. In some modern grammar textbooks no distinction is made between Participle I and the gerund. Both forms are referred to as ing forms' or '-ing participle^[2]. However, as shown below, there exist clear-cut differences between these two verbals, which give grounds for their dif­ferentiation.

 

§ 2. The characteristic traits of the verbals are as follows:

1. They have a double nature, nominal and verbal. The participle combines the characteristics of a verb with those of an adjective; the gerund and the infinitive combine the characteristics of a verb with those of a noun.

2. The tense distinctions of the verbals are not absolute (like those of the finite verb), but relative; the form of a verbal does not show whether the action it denotes refers to the present, past or future; it shows only whether the action expressed by the verbal is simultaneous with the action expressed by the finite verb or prior to it.

3. All the verbals can form predicative constructions, i. e. constructions consisting of two elements, a nominal (noun or pronoun) and a verbal (par-

ticiple, gerund or infinitive); the verbal element stands in predicate relation to the nominal element, i. e. in a relation similar to that between the subject and the predicate of the sentence. In most cases predicative constructions form syntactic units, serving as one part of the sentence.

They sat down to supper, Manston still talking cheerfully.

(Hardy) — Они сели ужинать; Мэнстон продолжал весело разговаривать.

Manston still talking cheerfully is a predicative construction with a participle: the participle talking stands in predicate relation to the noun Manston, which denotes the doer of the action expressed by the participle.

 

In the sentence a verbal may occur:

(a)singly, i. e. without accompanying words.

She... went away smiling. (Dreiser) — Она... ушла, улыбаясь. Reading is out of the question — I can't fix my attention on books. (Collins) — О чтении не может быть и речи — я не могу сосредоточить свое внимание на книгах. То decide is to act. — Решить — значит начать действовать.

(b)in phrases, i. е. with one or several accompanying words (an object or an adverbial modifier to the verbal). These phrases form syn­tactic units serving as one part of the sentence.

A phrase should not be confused with a predicative construction: between the elements of a phrase there is no predicate relation as it does not include a noun or a pronoun denoting the doer of the action expressed by a verbal.

The windows of the drawing-room opened to a balcony over­looking the garden. (Mansfield) — Окна гостиной выходили на балкон, с которого был виден сад.

She tried to tranquillize him by reading aloud. (Gaskell) — Она пыталась успокоить его тем, что читала ему вслух. Not to disquiet his sister, he had said nothing to her of the matter. (Hardy) — Чтобы не встревожить сестру, он ничего не сказал ей об этом.

(c)in predicative constructions.

My mistress being dead..., I had to look out for a new place. (Ch. Brontë) — Так как моя хозяйка умерла, мне пришлось искать другое место.

There is no mistake about his being a genius. (Shaw) — He может быть никакого сомнения в том, что он — гений. She heard him unbar the door and go out into the yard.

(Hardy) — Она слышала, как он отодвинул засов и вышел во двор.

 

The Participle

§ 3. The participle is a non-finite form of the verb which has a verbal and an adjectival or an adverbial character.

There are two participles in English — Participle I and Participle II, traditionally called the Present Participle and the Past Participle.

Note. These traditional terms are open to objection on the ground that Participle I does not necessarily refer to the present Just as Participle II need not refer to the past. The difference between them is not a difference in tense, but chiefly a difference in voice. In modern grammar textbooks they are also termed '-ing participle' and '-ed participle'.

Participle I is formed by adding the suffix -ing to the stem of the verb; the following spelling rules should be observed:

(a)If a verb ends in a mute e, the mute e is dropped before adding the suffix -ing: to give — giving, to close — closing.

(b)If a verb ends in a consonant preceded by a vowel rendering a short stressed sound, the final consonant is doubled before adding the suffix -ing: to run — running, to forget —forgetting, to admit — admitting.

A final l is doubled if it is preceded by a vowel letter rendering a short vowel sound, stressed or unstressed: to expel — expelling, to travel — travelling.

(c)The verbs to die, to lie and to tie form Participle I in the follow­ing way: dying, lying, tying.

N o t e. A final y is not changed before adding the suffix -ing: to com­ply — complying, to deny — denying.

(For the formation of Participle II see Chapter VII, § 3.)

§ 4. As has already been stated, the participle has a verbal and an adjectival or adverbial character. Its adjectival or adverbial character is manifested in its syntactic functions, those of attribute or adverbial modifier.

I hated the hollow sound of the rain pattering on the roof. (Du Maurier) (ATTRIBUTE) — Мне был отвратителен глухой шум дождя, стучавшего по крыше.

And then she turned to the title-page, and looked at the name written in the schoolboy hand. (Ch. ВгоШё) (ATTRIBUTE) — За­тем она открыла книгу на титульном листе и посмотрела на имя, написанное ученическим почерком. Having garaged his car, he remembered that he had not lunched. (Galsworthy) (ADVERBIAL MODIFIER) — Поставив машину в гараж, он вспомнил, что не завтракал. When left to herself she spent her time at her writing desk. (Trollope) (ADVERBIAL MODIFIER) — Оставшись одна, она провела время за своим письменным столом.

Note. Some participles have lost their verbality altogether and have become adjectives: interesting, charming, alarming, etc., complicated, distinguished, furnished, etc. E. g. an interestingbook, a charming g\x\, the alarming news; a complicated problem, a distinguished writer, a furnished apartment.

The verbal characteristics of the participle are as follows:

1. Participle I of a transitive verb can take a direct object.

Opening the door, he went out on to the terrace. (Galsworthy)

2. Participle I and Participle II can be modified by an adverb.

Leaving the room hurriedly, he ran out. (Thackeray) Deeply effected, Priam Farll rose and left the room. (Bennett)

3. Participle I has tense distinctions; Participle I of transitive verbs has also voice distinctions. In Modern English Participle I has the fol­lowing forms:

	Active	Passive
Indefinite	writing	oeing written
Perfect	having written	having been written

 

§ 5. The tense distinctions of the participle.

Like the tense distinctions of all the verbals, those of the participle are not absolute but relative.

Participle I Indefinite Active and Passive usually denotes an action simultaneous with the action expressed by the finite verb; depending oh the tense-form of the finite verb it may refer to the present, past, or future.

When reading The Pickwick Papers, one can't help laughing. When reading The Pickwick Papers, I couldn't help laughing. When reading The Pickwick Papers, you will roar with laugh­ter.

He looked at the carpet while waiting for her answer. (Galswor­thy) — Он смотрел на ковер, ожидая ее ответа. Не returned to the hut, bringing in his arms a new-born lamb. (Hardy) — Он вернулся в хижину, неся на руках новорожден­ного ягненка.

Not being able to read, think, or work, Bathsheba asked Liddy to stay and breakfast with her. (Hardy) — Так как Батшеба не была в состоянии (не будучи в состоянии) ни читать, ни думать, ни работать, она попросила Лидди остаться позавтракать с ней.

Sometimes Participle I Indefinite denotes an action referring to no particular time.

The last turning had brought them into the high-road leading to Bath. (Hardy) — После последнего поворота они вышли на дорогу, ведущую (которая вела) в Бат.

Participle I Perfect Active and Passive denotes an action prior to the action expressed by the finite verb.

Mr. Bumble, having spread a handkerchief over his knees... began to eat and drink. (Dickens) — Мистер Бамбл, разостлав платок на коленях..., стал есть и пить. They were, indeed, old friends, having been at school together. (Walpole) — Они и в самом деле были старыми друзьями, так как вместе учились в школе.

Having already been informed that he always slept with a light in the room, I placed one of the two lighted candles on a little table at the head of the bed... (Collins) — Так как мне уже сооб­щили, что он всегда спит при свете, я поставил одну из двух зажженных свечей на столик у кровати.

It should be noted that a prior action is not always expressed by Participle I Perfect: with some verbs of sense perception and motion, such as to see, to hear, to come, to arrive, to seize, to look, to turn and some others, Participle I Indefinite is used even when priority is meant.

Turning down an obscure street and entering an obscurer lane, he went up to a smith's shop. (Hardy) — Свернув на темную улицу и войдя в еще более темный переулок, он подошел к кузнице.

Hearing a footstep below he rose and went to the top of the stairs. (Hardy) — Услышав шаги внизу, он встал и вышел на лестницу.

Participle II has no tense distinctions; it has only one form which can express both an action simultaneous with, and prior to the action expressed by the finite verb; the latter case is more frequent.

His sister's eyes fixed on him with a certain astonishment, obliged him at last to look at Fleur. (Galsworthy) — Взгляд сестры, уст­ремленный на него с некоторым недоумением, заставил его, наконец, взглянуть на Флер.

I was reminded of a portrait seen in a gallery. (Du Maurier) — Мне вспомнился портрет, который я видела в картинной гале­рее.

In some cases Participle II denotes an action referring to no par­ticular time.

He is a man loved and admired by everybody.

 

§ 6. The voice distinctions of the participle.

Participle I of transitive verbs has special forms to denote the active and the passive voice.

When writing letters he does not like to be disturbed.

Being written in pencil the letter was difficult to make out.

Having written some letters he went to post them.

Having been written long ago the manuscript was illegible.

Participle 2 of transitive verbs has a passive meaning, e. g. a broken glass, a caged bird. Participle 2 of intransitive verbs has no passive mean­ing; it is used only in compound tcnsc-forms and has no independent function in the sentence unless it belongs to a verb which denotes passing into a new state, e. g. a withered flower, a faded leaf.

 

§ 7. The functions of Participle I in the sentence.

Participle 1 may have different syntactic functions. 1. Participle 1 as an attribute.

Participle 1 Indefinite Active can be used as an attribute; in this function it corresponds to the Russian действительное причастие.

The fence surrounding the garden is newly painted. — Забор, окружающий сад, недавно покрашен.

We admired the stars twinkling in the sky. — Мы любовались звездами, мерцавшими на небе.

In some cases Participle I in the function of an attribute is rendered in Russian by a clause.

He came back and stood irresolute on the steps leading down to the street. (Cusack) — Он вернулся и стоял в нерешитель­ности на лестнице, которая вела на улицу.

In the function of an attribute Participle I can be in pre-position and in post-position, i. e. it can precede the noun it modifies and follow it. Participle I in pre-position hardly ever has accompanying words.

The gate-keeper surveyed the retreating vehicle. (Hardy) — Привратник смотрел на удалявшийся экипаж.

Participle I in post-position as a rule has one or several accompa­nying words.

They dined outside upon the terrace facing Vesuvius. (Hichens) — Они пообедали на террасе, выходившей к Ве­зувию.

Through the massive sunlight illuminating the hall at Robin Hill, the July sunlight at five o'clock fell just where the broad staircase turned. (Galsworthy) — Сквозь массивную стеклян­ную крышу, освещавшую холл в Робин Хилле, лучи июльского солнца в пять часов падали как раз на поворот широкой лестницы.

 

Participle I Indefinite Passive is very seldom used as an attribute.

There was one line being laid out to within a few blocks of his new home which interested him greatly (Dreiser) — Егo очень интересовала линия, которую прокладывали в нескольких кварталах от его нового дома.

 

Participle I Perfect Active and Passive is not used attributively. Attention should be paid to the fact that Participle I in the function of an attribute cannot express priority; therefore it often happens that when in Russian we have причастие in English we find a finite verb. Such is the case with the Russian действительное причастие прошедшего времени expressing priority; it is rendered in English by an attributive clause.

Татьяна, с великим равнодушием переносившая до того мгновения все превратности своей жизни, тут, однако, не вытерпела, прослезилась. (Тургенев) — Tatyana, who had until that moment borne all the ups and downs of her life with great indifference, broke down, however, on this and burst into tears. (Translated by Domb)

Бульба повел сыновей своих в светлицу, откуда проворно выбежали две красивые девки-прислужницы, прибиравшие комнату. (Гоголь) — Bulba bade his sons follow him into the little guest-chamber, whence two pretty serving-wenches, who had been arranging the room, ran out. (Translated by Baskerville)

A clause, not a participle, is generally used in English even when the Russian действительное причастие прошедшего времени expresses an action simultaneous with that of the finite verb.

Базаров закурил трубку и подошел к ямщику, отпрягавше­му лошадей. (Тургенев) — Bazarov lit his pipe and went up to the driver, who was unharnessing the horses. (Translated by C. Garnett)

Матушка, знавшая наизусть все его обычаи..., всегда ста­ралась засунуть несчастную книгу подальше. (Пушкин) — My mother, who knew all his habits, used to thrust the obnoxious volume into some remote hiding-place. (Translated by J. and T. Litvinov)

Occasionally, however, in rendering the Russian действительное причастие прошедшего времени, a participle is used in English. This is often the case when действительное причастие прошедшего времени refers to no particular time.

Заря уже занималась на небе, когда Соломин постучался в калитку высокого забора, окружавшего фабрику. (Турге­нев) — Dawn was already beginning in the sky when Solorrun knocked at the gate in the high fence surrounding the factory (Translated by С. Garnett)

Потом он обратил внимание посетителей на висевшую над его головой картину, писанную масляными красками. (Тургенев) — Then he drew the attention of his guests to a picture hanging above his head, painted in oils. (Translated by C. Garnett)

In many cases an attribute expressed by Participle I is detached, i. e. it acquires a certain independence in the sentence; the connection between the attribute and the word it modifies is loose. A detached at­tribute is usually separated by a comma.

It was the entrance to a large family vault, extending under the north aisle. (Hardy) — Это был вход в большой фамильный склеп, простиравшийся под северным приделом храма.