How to parse. ...

Par. 233, 234.] CONDITIONAL. MO 0OD. 14

149

233 The reasons for this are (1) the general tendency
in every language to drop distinctions wherever
they can be (Iropped; (2) the "if," expressing the
Condition by itself, has enabled us to dispense, in
the -Antecedent, with the Verbal forms; but, in the
Uonsequeent, there being no "1if," the Verbal forms
have been retained.' There is no ambiguity in "1if
he had seen me " used in the Antecedent; but, were
that form used in the Consequent, e.g. "h e had
knowi me," there would be dangTer of ambiguity.
It is neither possible nor desirable to revive the
01(1 forms, but it is of use to perceive their regrularity. There are two ways of expressing the
Conditional: (1) by Inflections, (2) by the use of
Auxiliary Verbs. Supposing the Conditional Mood
were regularly formed by Inflections, it would heI. A. Regular Conditional Mood with
Inflections.
234 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
ATNTECEDENT. CONSEQUENT.
{be [ [be]
(if it) ce 2 (true), (he) jj'e~y3 (g it.
had been h /ad been8 git.
1Similarly, in the Antecedent when the " if" is oTmitted, (lie
distinctive Grin of (lie Conditional innst be used. "1 Should I, 0r,
were I to. see Wim " - not ' sinw I him.''
2 Generally used of an ulifultilled condition.
3Still used iii Poetry.