Formulaic Subjunctive

Article excerpt · target grammar marked

"Be that as it may, the field notes he kept in the margins of his working life would ignite one of the most heated controversies in twentieth-century linguistics." ... "Suffice it to say, this insight sent him from industrial risk straight into the arms of Edward Sapir.

Grammar Reference · Formulaic Subjunctive

Formulaic subjunctive

Come what may, the committee will vote. — fixed phrase; verb uninflected

Be that as it may

Be that as it may, her evidence remains compelling. — concedes a point, holds position

Suffice it to say /

Suffice it to say, no one agreed. So be it. — formal acceptance or summary

Common error

Be that as it is... ✗ → Be that as it may... ✓ — never change the fixed verb form

01Exercise 1 — Form · Write the Correct Form

Formulaic Subjunctive

1.The data were incomplete, but, ... ... ... ..., the committee published its findings.

2. ... ..., the company refused to reopen the investigation.

3. ... ... ..., his career at the insurance firm was extraordinary.

4.The proposal was voted down; ... ....

5. ... ... ... to question Sapir's judgment, but the fieldwork was inconclusive.

6. ... the ...! — a formulaic phrase that preserves the ancient subjunctive in public ceremony.

02Exercise 2 — Find and Correct the Error

find the error · rewrite the sentence

1.Come what will, the findings will be published next month.

2.Be that as it is, the theory deserves serious consideration.

3.Far being it from me to challenge the professor's interpretation.

4.So it be — if the board has decided, we must accept the outcome.

5.God saves the Queen — the familiar ceremonial phrase at the close of official broadcasts.

6.Suffice that to say, no consensus was reached at the symposium.

03Exercise 3 — About You

in your notebook

Personalise: complete five sentences about yourself using the target grammar.

Formulaic Subjunctive01EnglishPlans.com