as untrue, the subjunctive is used. Note the two sentences
following, in which the conditions are properly in the subjunctive:
_If those statements be true, then all statements are true, Were
I rich, I might be charitable_.

The subjunctive is usually preceded by the conjunctions, _if, though,
lest, although_, or the verb precedes the subject. But it must be
borne in mind that these do not always indicate the subjunctive
mode. THE USE OF THE SUBJUNCTIVE DEPENDS ON WHETHER THE CONDITION
IS REGARDED AS A FACT OR AS CONTRARY TO FACT, CERTAIN OR UNCERTAIN.

It should be added that the subjunctive is perhaps going out of
use; some of the best writers no longer use its forms. This passing
of the subjunctive is to be regretted and to be discouraged, since
its forms give opportunity for many fine shades of meaning.

EXERCISE 37

_Write five sentences which illustrate the correct use of BE in
the third person singular without an auxiliary, and five which
illustrate the correct use of WERE in the third person singular._

EXERCISE 38

_Choose the preferable form in the following sentences, and be able
to give a definite reason for your choice. In some of the sentences
either form may be used correctly:_

1. He acts as if it _were was_ possible always to escape death.
2. If it _was were_ near enough, I should walk.
3. If I _was were_ only wealthy!
4. If I _were was_ in his place, I should study medicine.
5. If you _are be_ right, then the book is wrong.
6. If he _was were_ I, he would come.
7. Though he _was were_ very economical, he remained poor.
8. Though she _was were_ an angel, I should dislike her.
9. If he _be is_ there, ask him to pay the bill.
10. If he _be is_ there, he makes no sign of his presence.
11. If this _be is_ wrong, then all love of country is wrong.
12. If it _rains rain_, I stay at school.
13. Take care lest you _are be_ deceived by appearances.
14. Would that I _was were_ a bird.
15. If it _snow snows_, I can't come.
16. If your father _comes come_, bring him to dinner.
17. If your father _was were_ here, you would act differently.
18. Though he _were was_ king over all the earth I should despise
him.
19. If he _come comes_, he will find me at home.
20. _Was were_ it necessary, I should jump.
21. If to-morrow _be is_ pleasant, we shall go driving.
22. If my mother _was were_ here, she would say I might go.
23. If she _was were_ at home, I did not hear of it.