sentence transformation

[hela]

Dear teachers,

Last question (I hope) about these sets of sentences:

What is the difference in meaning between:

1) a) It is only right that she should have a share.
b) It is only right that she have a share.
c) It is only right that she had a share.
d) It is only right that she should have had a share.

2) a) It is amazing that she said nothing about the murder.
b) It is/was amazing that she had nothing to say about the murder.

3) a) It is ridiculous that we should be short of water in a
country where it always rains.
b) It is ridiculous that we be short of water in a country… (same meaning?)

4) a) It is incredible that they should buy such a luxurious house. (wrong?)
(If ever you understand French, would it mean “C’est incroyable qu’ils puissent acheter un maison aussi luxueuse?” = a possibility in the present or future?)

b) It is incredible that they buy such a luxurious house. Wrong? (same as a) ?)


5) a) By the time I finish this report next week, I shall be ready to relax.

b) By the time I have finished this report (next week), I shall be ready to relax.

c) By next week, I will have finished this report and will be ready to relax.

(what is the difference between a and b?)

6) a) It is time we had a break .
b) It is time we should have a break. (wrong?)

Thank you very much for your patience. You are of a great help indeed.

Best regards,
Hela

[Tdol]

1) a) It is only right that she should have a share.
b) It is only right that she have a share.
c) It is only right that she had a share.
d) It is only right that she should have had a share

a & b are the same. b is more formal as it uses the subjunctive. c suggests that she got the share, as does d. It is difficult to give the differtence between the last two, but c is more definite.