The Suppositional Mood represents an action as problematic, but not necessarily contradicting reality. The realization of the action may depend on certain circumstances, but these circumstances are not contrary to fact [1; 2; 3; 5]. It has a hypothetical meaning and is used to refer to the idea of performing a certain action regardless of whether or not the action is carried out [11; 20].
The Suppositional Mood has two forms: Present and Past. The Present Suppositional mood is built with the help of the auxiliary verb should for all persons and the infinitive of the notional verb without the particle to. The Past Suppositional mood is formed by the auxiliary verb should (for all persons) and the perfect infinitive.
THE USE OF THE SUPPOSITIONAL MOOD
I. It is never used in simple sentences [3].
II. In complex sentences it denotes a hypothetical action referring to the present, past or future. It is used [1; 2; 3]:
1. In subject clauses introduced by the pronoun it:
a) The Present Suppositional mood:
E.g. It is necessary that he should come alone there. (Необходимо, чтобы он пришёл туда один)
E.g. It's cruel that I should make him suffer. (Как жестоко, что я заставляю его страдать)
E.g. It was suggested that somebody should inform the police. (Предложили, чтобы кто-нибудь известил полицию)
b) The Past Suppositional mood:
E.g. It is funny that we should have forgotten all about it. (Смешно, что мы совсем забыли об этом)
E.g. It's strange that he should not have answered such a simple question. (Странно, что он не ответил на такой простой вопрос)
2. In predicative clauses:
E.g. My (only) wish is that my son should be/become a doctor. (Моё (единственное) желание, чтобы сын стал врачом)
3. In object clauses after the expressions of order, suggestion or fear in the principle clause:
E.g. We demand that he should go there at once. (Мы требуем, чтобы он пошёл туда немедленно)
E.g. I suggested that she should give up driving for a while, but she looked too miserable. (Я предложил ей временно отказаться от вождения машины, но она выглядела слишком несчастной)
E.g. I suppose he should be working in the library. (Наверное, он сейчас работает в библиотеке)
E.g. I fear lest he should escape. (Боюсь, как бы он не сбежал)
NOTE: Unlike the formal lest the conjunction that as an object clause introducer is widely used in speech; in this case the usual should in the subordinate clause is often, but not necessarily replaced by the modal verb may [1; 3; 5]:
E.g. I'm afraid that I may leave by the time. (Боюсь, как бы я не ушёл к тому времени)
If an object clause is introduced by "that" the sequence of tenses should be observed:
E.g. I was afraid that I might leave by the time. (Я боялся, что могу уйти к тому времени)
4. In adverbial clauses
a) Of purpose:
E.g. We'll start early lest we should be late. (Начнём пораньше, а то, как бы не опоздать)
b) Of condition:
E.g. Should you be at the Browns tonight, send them my best regards. (Случись, что ты будешь сегодня у Браунов, передай им от меня привет)
E.g. They fear light and warmth, which we shall therefore call to our aid should the need arise. /J.K. Rowling Harry Potter & the Half-blood Prince/ (Они боятся света и тепла, чем мы и воспользуемся, возникни такая необходимость)
E.g. The firm provides a low-interest mortgage loan, 30 years, nonassumable should you decide to sell in a few years. /John Grisham The Street Lawyer/ (Фирма предоставляет заём под низкий процент, на 30 лет, при условии, что вы не захотите продать дом через несколько лет)
E.g. Preliminary plans to eliminate Kozinski, Hodge and Tarrance, should it become necessary, were changed. /John Grisham The Street Lawyer/ (Предварительные планы по устранению Козинского, Ходжа и Тэрранса, в случае необходимости, были изменены)
c) Of concession:
E.g. Even should it rain tomorrow, we'll leave for the suburbs. (Даже если завтра пойдет дождь, мы уедем за город)
The Suppositional Mood and Subjunctive I are similar in the meaning they render, though the Suppositional Mood constructions are considered to be less formal. You should bear in mind that the Suppositional Mood is analytical, while Subjunctive I is synthetic.
p Words often followed by Subjunctive I or the Suppositional Mood:
Verbs: to advice, to ask, to beg, to command, to insist, to instruct, to intend, to order, to propose, to recommend, to request, to require, to stipulate, to suggest, to think, to warn.
Adjectives: advisable, better (best), crucial, desirable, essential, imperative, important, (in)appropriate, necessary, obligatory, preferable, right, requested, recommended, vital; amazed, anxious, concerned, disappointed, surprised, upset, etc.
Nouns: advice, condition, decision, demand, insistence, requirement, wish.
