This will often
serve as a guide in distinguishing the indicative from the subjunctive
mode.
_If, though, lest, unless_, etc. are usually spoken of as signs of the
subjunctive mode, but these words are now more frequently followed by the
indicative than by the subjunctive.
+Direction+.--_Justify the mode of the italicized verbs in the following
sentences_:--
1. If this _were_ so, the difficulty would vanish.
2. If he _was_ there, I did not see him.
3. If to-morrow _be_ fine, I will walk with you.
4. Though this _seems_ improbable, it is true.
5. If my friend _is_ in town, he will call this evening.
6. If he ever _comes_, we shall know it.
+Explanation+.--In (6) and (7) the coming is referred to as a fact to be
decided in future time.
7. If he _comes_ by noon, let me know.
8. The ship leaps, as it _were_, from billow to billow.
9. Take heed that thou _speak_ not to Jacob.
10. If a pendulum _is drawn _to one side, it will swing to the other.
+Explanation+.--_Be_ is often employed in making scientific statements like
the preceding, and may therefore be allowed, _If a pendulum is drawn =
Whenever a pendulum is drawn_.
11. I wish that I _were_ a musician.
12. _Were_ I so disposed, I could not gratify you.
13. This sword shall end thee unless thou _yield_.
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