conjunctive or just an error?

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Arne H. Wilstrup - 25 Jan 2009 13:57 GMT

"Before he enter on the execution of his office, he shall take
the
following oath or affirmation..."

I would write "before he enters on... " but I am in doubt
about this - what do you say?

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Arne H. Wilstrup - 25 Jan 2009 14:05 GMT

> "Before he enter on the execution of his office, he shall
> take the
> following oath or affirmation..."
>
> I would write "before he enters on... " but I am in doubt
> about this - what do you say?

I am mistaken here- I meant
"subjunctive" not conjunctive - sorry!

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Alan Jones - 25 Jan 2009 15:13 GMT

> "Before he enter on the execution of his office, he shall take the
> following oath or affirmation..."
>
> I would write "before he enters on... " but I am in doubt about this -
> what do you say?

In everyday modern English, "enters", but the subjunctive "enter" was once
usual and even now may be preferred in a deeply formal context such as this.

Alan Jones

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Arne H. Wilstrup - 25 Jan 2009 15:52 GMT

>> "Before he enter on the execution of his office, he shall
>> take the
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
>
> Alan Jones

Thank you!

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Discussion Groups / English Usage / January 2009

conjunctive or just an error?