Subjunctives

Freeguy · Dec 1, 2013

It is important that all luggage ....... for identification, before being loaded into the aircraft.

1. to be labelled
2. must be labelled
3. should be labelled
4. be labelled

Based on Michael Swan's claim, both 3 and 4 could fit here.(Subjunctive structures). But the answer key shows No.4!

Thanks!

tzfujimino · Dec 1, 2013

Freeguy said:
It is important that all luggage ....... for identification, before being loaded into the aircraft.

1. to be labelled
2. must be labelled
3. should be labelled
4. be labelled

Based on Michael Swan's claim, both 3 and 4 could fit here.(Subjunctive structures). But the answer key shows No.4!

Thanks!

Hello, Freeguy.:-D

I have no objection to Michael Swan's argument/explanation.

Barb_D · Dec 1, 2013

Is the test/workbook based on American English? We are less likely to use the "should" construction.

Freeguy · Dec 1, 2013

I think it's a matter of taste. Michael Swan wrote his book based on both style. British and American. Subjunctives can be followed by should or without it from his point of view. I don't know when we can leave out should and when we can't, you know!

5jj · Dec 1, 2013

Freeguy said:
Subjunctives can be followed by should or without it from his point of view. I don't know when we can leave out should and when we can't, you know!

Barb has already told you that speakers of AmE are less likely to use the 'should' construction. I will tell you that, in BrE, we are more likely to use a 'should' construction or an indicative.

Incidentally, the 'should' construction is a modal construction, not a subjunctive,

konungursvia · Dec 1, 2013

.... and "be labelled" is the best option for AmE. I think most BrE speakers would write "is labelled" here (not in your key). They haven't used English in years!

Tdol · Dec 2, 2013

konungursvia said:
I think most BrE speakers would write "is labelled" here (not in your key). They haven't used English in years!

Obviously I haven't used English for years as I would use is labelled if I had the option. :up:

MikeNewYork · Dec 2, 2013

Tdol said:
Obviously I haven't used English for years as I would use is labelled if I had the option. :up:

No worries, you will catch on soon. And while you're at it, change the spelling to "labeled". :lol:

Tdol · Dec 2, 2013

When you stop saying cellphone. ;-)

MikeNewYork · Dec 2, 2013

Tdol said:
When you stop saying cellphone. ;-)

No problem. I say cell phone.

Tdol · Dec 2, 2013

Is that the preferred written form? I see both used, though am not sure of the difference in pronunciation. ;-)

MikeNewYork · Dec 2, 2013

Tdol said:
Is that the preferred written form? I see both used, though am not sure of the difference in pronunciation. ;-)

It is preferred by moi! In both cases, the stress would be on the first word/syllable.

Subjunctives

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