现代英语中,通用的动词虚拟式只有两个,即be型虚拟式和were型虚拟式。所谓be型虚拟式,是指不管主语是什么人,动词一律用原形,如果动词是被动态形式,则助动词一律用be。所谓were型虚拟式,是指不管主语是什么人称,动词一律用were,动词是进行时或被动态时,助动词一律用were。
be型虚拟式
1.用于表示命令、决定。建议等词语后的that分句。例如:Mary insisted that John come. /He ordered that the books be sent at once.
2.用于if,though,whatever,lest等引导的分句中,表示推测、让步、忧虑等。例如:Though everyone desert you,I will not. /If John be found guilty,he shall have the right of appeal.
3.用于某些表示祝愿、诅咒、禁止等以及公式化的语句中。
例如:
God bless you! /Heaven forbid!
were型虚拟式
1.用于wish后的that分句中,表示与现在的事实相反的主观设想。例如:
I wish I were there.
I wish it were spring all the year round.
2.用于if,as if,as though等引导的分句和suppose或imagine等后面的分句中,表示对现在时间或将来时间的主观设想。例如:
If I were you,I should wait till next week.
He spoke to me as if I were deaf.
If it were to rain,we should get wet.
表建议、命令、请求等的词