- Though {you | he} will certainly fail, {you | he} may make the attempt.
- Though the ship will not sink for some hours, let us take to the boats.
306. Shall and should are often used in the second and third persons in subordinate clauses to express volition which is not that of the subject.
- Templeton insists that you shall accompany him.
- This letter directs where you shall station yourself.
- We gave orders that the gates should be closed.
- My wish is that {you | he} should remain at home.
- The law prescribed when and to whom the tax should be paid.
307. When a clause with that states something, not as a fact but as an idea to be considered, should is the proper auxiliary in all three persons.
- I am not surprised that you should find your lesson rather difficult. [That is: “When I consider the matter, I do not find the idea surprising.” In “I am not surprised that you find,” etc., the subordinate clause makes the statement as a fact.]
- It is strange that Tom should neglect his swimming lessons. [Contrast: It is strange that Tom neglects.]
- That Napoleon should have chafed at captivity is only natural. [Contrast: That Napoleon chafed.]
308. For shall and will, should and would, in indirect discourse, see [§§ 438–439].
THE INFINITIVE
309. The infinitive is a verb-form that has some of the properties of a noun ([§ 28]). Its two-sided character comes out clearly when it is used as the subject of a sentence.
- 1. To hope is our only resource.
- 2. To flatter is not my custom.
- 3. To sleep was an impossibility.
- 4. To surrender seemed disgraceful.
- 5. To choose wisely was my greatest difficulty.
- 6. To scale the wall was the work of a moment.
Each of these infinitives (to hope, to flatter, etc.) is a noun, for each is the simple subject of a sentence. Besides, an ordinary noun may be substituted for each infinitive with no change in meaning; as,—“Hope is our only resource”; “Flattery is not my custom”; “Sleep was an impossibility.”