Know I understand and respect your points of view, too.
Dear Kwfine,
You already have two points of view. So, now you can make a decision about what is correct and what is not, considering the context where you will use the expression at hand.
Here, as in other forums, as with other expressions, as with other languages, you will find two or more points of view regarding just one meaning, orthography, or grammar issue. It is so normal and common due to the diversity of our cultures. I advocate the idea that these forums are, precisely, for discussing that diversity. I do not think we necessarily need to get to one answer because, in that case, we would better use a dictionary and not participate in these debates. In my opinion, it is essential to have as many points of view in learning a language because they talk about its cultural diversity.
This reminds me of African American vernacular English, especially popular with people residing in poor housing projects in the US. When I read it I can’t help but think of a rapper. But they’re also as likely to say “you is” and “I done killed him” and a favorite with me “he bes a man (he is a man)”. In short they’re up to all sorts of crazy stuff that is bound to make an educated man’s hair stand on end out of sheer shock, so don’t fall into the habit of talking like that.
(I think I also heard “he bees”, only can’t put my finger on what rap song)
I’m not saying that all African Americans speak like that, but some do. Such talk is a part and parsel of the rap game. All rappers go to great lengths to sound as uneducated as possible because it sounds cool and it makes them look like tough gangstas.
I’m deeply familiar with African-American vernacular. You cannot always rely on rap songs to gauge that. “He bes …” is not legitimate dialect. In music, you’ll hear exaggerations, and that is one. I can think of a rap song with “We bes” in it, but I have yet to hear anyone actually say it.
The misuse of “be” is nearly always with the present progressive. He be calling me every night.
*He be (or bes) a man.
If anything, you’ll hear this: He a man.
OK, ESL learners, ignore this post. You never saw it. And it’s all INCORRECT.
ok i am sorry , i was just trying to compare it to the verb (esperer) en francais that can’t be put in the subjunctive unless it is a question or negative (the verb means (hope)also)
I wouldn’t bother to compare the current English use of the subjunctive to the subjunctive in any other language. It’s decaying and is used inconsistently. Pure logic and comparisons alone will not lead you to a better understanding of how it is used today in English.
Thanks for your posts. In deed, I was utterly confused with the usage of subjunctive.
Could I say the following?
I hope this might help
I hope this could help
Hopefully, this might help
Additionally, I have another query. Which one of the following statements is correct?
I don’t believe that she has been hiding anything
I don’t believe that she have been hiding anything
I don’t believe that she had been hiding anything
I hope this will help.
Hopefully, this might/could help.
I don’t believe that she has been hiding anything.
I don’t believe that she had been hiding anything when she returned from the garden. – This can be used only in a context which includes another past but more recent action (e.g., ‘return’)
Thanks Mister Micawber,
In deed, I want to learn the correct usage of subjunctive. Today, eager for knowledge, I consulted the book “Longman Advanced Learner’s Grammar”, and came with more queries.
The book claims the following:
“Subjunctive is used in formal English to express the idea that something is necessary or important.
The Subjunctive is used in reported speech, very formal language, and in poetry.
The use of it is rather formal or literary in British English, and it is less formal in US English.
British speakers prefer to use should + infinitive.”
According to your experience, could you please rank in order of formality the following sentences.
It is vital that every applicant complete the form in triplicate.
It is vital that every applicant should complete the form in triplicate.
It is vital that every applicant completes the form in triplicate.
It is vital for every applicant to complete the form in triplicate.
Additionally, the book claims that sense verbs can be followed by an object + infinitive (without to) when we are describing a single action or the action is complete.
We saw a young mother slap her child in the supermarket. (She slapped once)
Last week I heard them play the fifth symphony. (I heard the complete symphony)
Shall we consider this as subjunctive or a special usage of sense verbs?
I appreciate your time and help.
Kind regards,
It is vital that every applicant complete the form in triplicate.
It is vital that every applicant should complete the form in triplicate.
It is vital for every applicant to complete the form in triplicate.
It is vital that every applicant completes the form in triplicate.-- This one is no good (or very casual). The other three are equally standard.
We saw a young mother slap her child in the supermarket. (She slapped once)
Last week I heard them play the fifth symphony. (I heard the complete symphony)
Shall we consider this as subjunctive or a special usage of sense verbs?– It is not subjunctive; it is merely a characteristic of verbs of sensation.
