Re: Inversion for subjunctive (was "Get" passive)
| From: | Paul Kershaw <ptkershaw@...> |
|---|
| Date: | Tuesday, February 24, 2009, 16:54 |
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> > > 2009/2/23 Paul Kershaw :
> > >
> > > 5d. ?I've a cold.
>
> > Philip Newton wrote:
> >
> > Constructions like 5d are said to be more common in Rightpondia.
> > (Similarly with "Have you a pen?".)
I was recently told fairly adamantly by some younger Rightpondians that "I've a
cold" and "Have you a tissue?" are stiff and archaic, but nonetheless the ?
instead of a * was meant as a nod to the Queen's English speakers. :D
> Seeing this construction reminded me that I frequenly omit "if" and put
> the verb first.
>
> 1. Were I to tell you what I know....
> 2. Had I but known....
> etc.
>
> Charlie
It's worth noting that these are subjunctive structures. For me at least, it's not
possible in the indicative:
3. * Even was he at the theater, I didn't see him there.
4. * Ran I down the block, I might catch him.
-- Paul
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