虛擬語氣用來表達不可能或難以實現的願望,與事實相反的假設,通常分為基本的三種形式。
1. 與現在事實相反的虛擬:
If did / were ,
would
should
could do (動詞原形)
might
If I were you, I would go abroad at once. (I am not you.)
If he knew it now, he could help me. (He doesn't know it now.)
2. 與過去事實相反的虛擬:
If had done , would (might) have done ...
If I had known your telephone number yesterday, I would have phoned you.
(I didn't know your telephone number.)
If you had come here a little earlier just now, you might have met her.
(You didn't come here earlier.)
3. 與將來事實相反的虛擬:
(1) If should v., would v.
(可能性很小)(譯作“萬一”)
If it should rain tomorrow, you could stay at home.
If I should fail, what should Ido?
(2) If did / were to v , would v.
(完全不可能)
If the sun were to rise in the west, I would lend you the money.
If you finished it in 3 minutes, I would give you my car.
4. 金牌特殊重點:!!
[簡單聯想記憶]:
● 下列動詞後的“賓語從句”中需要用虛擬形式,即should 動詞原形,shoud在美國英語中要省略(TOEFL語法考點)。此類常見的動詞有:order, ask, decide, demand, require, recommend, suggest(建議)insist(堅決要求),advise, etc.
例句:He suggested that we (should) help them with English.
The teacher ordered that the homework (should) be finished within half an hour.
● 下列名詞後的同位語從句中要用“should 動詞原形”(should可省去)的虛擬。
suggestion, order, request, demand, importance, proposal.
He made a suggestion that we (should) have a fancy dress party.
I think it is a thing of importance that it (should) be done soon.
● It is / was important / necessary / natural / essential / advisable / strange / surprising, ect. that 主語 should v.
It is strange that you should say such a thing.
It was important that you should tell me all the information.
● wish後的賓語從句中,as if 後的狀語從句中,須用下列的虛擬形式:
主 wish (that) 主 did / were(指現在)
had done(指過去)
would v.(指將來)
I wish that I met my uncle now.
I wish I had met my uncle yesterday.
IwishI could meet my uncle tomorrow.
● It is (high) time that ... did / were ...
It is time that you went to bed.
● would rather that ... did / were ...
I would rather that you were not here now.
● would sooner that ... did / were ...
I would sooner that you got up earlier.
I would sooner that you were not my brother.