Practical Exercises in English

by Huber Gray Buehler

[86] In such sentences the indicative would be, according to modern usage,
correct, and it is more common.
[87] See paragraph 3, page 84. The forms in "would" and "should" in conditional sentences, though they express the subjunctive idea, can hardly be called the "subjunctive mood". Sometimes they are called the "conditional mood."

EXERCISE L.

Tell the time referred to in each of the following sentences, and whether the speaker regards the condition as true, untrue, or uncertain:—

1. If all men did their duty, there would be less misery in the world.
2. Had I heard of the affair sooner, this misfortune would not have happened.
3. Were it true, I would say so.
4. I would go with you if I could spare the time.
5. She could sing if she would.
6. If love be rough with you, be rough with love.
7. If all the year were playing holidays, to play would be as tedious as to work.
8. If thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, he shall die in his iniquity.
9. He brags as if he were of note.
10. If the natural course of this stream be obstructed, the water will make a new channel.
11. If the natural course of a stream is obstructed, the water will make a new channel.
12. If the book was in my library, some one must have borrowed it.
13. If he knows the way, he does not need a guide.
14. If he still wishes to go, he may take my horse.
15. Had he followed my advice, he would be rich.
16. Had she lived a twelvemonth more
She had not died to-day.
17. Though gods they were, as men they died.
18. Though the law is severe, we must obey it.
19. If the law be severe, we must change it.
20. Though the vase were made of steel, the servant would break it.
21. Though the vase was made of steel, the servant broke it.

EXERCISE LI.

Tell the difference in meaning between the italicized forms:—

1. If he is (were) studious, he will (would) excel.
2. If he was (had been) studious, he excelled (would have excelled).
3. Oh, that you may be (were, had been) blameless.
4. Though he deceive (deceives) me, yet will I trust him.
5. Though he deceived me, yet will (would) I trust him.
6. Though he deceived (had deceived) me, yet would I trust him
7 Though the boy's coat was (were) made of silk, he soiled (would soil) it.

EXERCISE LII.

Which, of the italicized forms is preferable? Give the reason:—

1. They act as if it was (were) possible to deceive us.
2. If I was (were) in his place, I would go.
3. I wish my mother was (were) here.
4. See that no one is (be) forgotten.
5. If this is (be) treason, make the most of it.
6. If it rain (rains), the work is delayed.
7. If it rain (rains), the work will be delayed.
8. Take care lest you are (be) carried away by your feelings.
9. If he acquire (acquires) riches, they may make him worldly.
10. I could jump across the stream if it was (were) necessary.
11. If to-morrow is (be) breezy, we will go sailing.
12. If my father was (were) here, he would enjoy this.
13. If she was (were) at the reception, I did not see her.
14. If he speak (speaks) only to display his talents, he is unworthy of attention.
15. I wish I was (were) at home.
16. Though this seem (seems) improbable, it is true.
17. I should be surprised if this marriage take (took, will take, should take) place.
18. If the book was (were) in my library, I would send it.
19. I will see that he obey (obeys) you.
20. If a man smite (smites) his servant and the servant die (dies), the man shall surely be put to death.
21. Though he is (be) poor and helpless now, you may rest assured that he will not remain so.
22. I wish I was (were) a musician.
23. Make haste lest your ardor cool (cools).
24. He will continue his course, though it cost (costs) him his life.
25. Though a liar speak (speaks) the truth, he will hardly be believed.
26. Govern well thy appetite, lest sin surprise (surprises) thee.
27. Though gold is (be) more precious than iron, iron is more useful than gold.
28. Whether he go (goes) or not, it is your duty to go.
29. If he was (were, should be) elected, it would be his ruin.
30. If a picture is (be) admired by none but painters, the picture is bad.
31. If one went (should go) unto them from the dead, they would repent.
32. If an animal of any kind was (were) kept shut up in a box, it would surely die.
33. They will not believe, though one rose (rise) from the dead.
34. Clerk wanted. It is indispensable that he write (writes) a good hand and have (has) some knowledge of book-keeping.
35. If the debtor pay (pays) the debt, he shall be discharged.
36. If my sister go (goes), which I think is doubtful, she will surely call for you.
37. The most glorious hero that ever desolated nations might have mouldered into oblivion did (had) not some historian take (taken) him into favor.
38. He will see his error if he substitute (substitutes) "that which" for "what."
39. Though Dorothy is (be) young, she is tall.
40. Unless he take (takes) better care of his health, his constitution will break down.
41. If I lend you my horse, I shall (should) have to borrow one myself.
42. I hope that if any of my readers comes (come, should come) to New Haven, he may find the city just as I have described it.