The SM. (also the Conditional M)

Probably the only thing linguists are unanimous about with the SM is that it represents an action as a non-fact, as something imaginary, desirable, problematic, contrary to reality. In all other respects opinions differ.

In modern E the SM has synthetic and analytical forms.

Synthetic(or simple forms)- are those the formal elements of which are to be found within 1 word from which they are inseparable. These are the present and the past Ind. Affirmative (sing, sings, sang); the non-perfect common aspect forms of the inf, partic.I, the gerund, part. II (sing, singing, sung); the IMP.M (sing!)

Analytical (or compound form) consists of at least 2 verbal elements- an auxiliary V and a notional V. the latter is presented be partic.I, II, or the infin. An auxiliary V is devoid of its lexical Mg, its role is purely structural. It may be finite or non-finite, thus showing whether the whole V form is finite or non-finite as in:  

                          Means of expressing unreality:

Unreal actions are expressed by:

plain stem of the V for all persons (I insist that he bepresent)

werefor all persons ( I wish I were 10 years younger)

the form of the Past Indef. (He looked as if he knew about it)

the form of the Past Perfect(He looked as if he had seen a ghost)

shouldfor the 1st person Sing or Pl or would (for the other persons)+inf. (If I had a garden I should grow tulips there)

should \would +Perf. Inf (If it hadn’t rain I should have gone for a walk)

should( for all persons)+inf. (I insist that he should do it)

would (for all per.) +inf (I wish he wouldn`t interrupt me)

may\ might +inf. (I told u that so that you might write to ur parents)

can\ could +inf. (I told u that so that u could…)

were to (for all persons)+ inf. (If he were to discover the truth he would never speak to me)

An unreal action can be represented by these means as hypothetical (the realization is doubtful: (He insisted that the plan be discussed) andcontradicting reality (the action can’t be realized) (I wish I can see the parade)

 Other means: modal Vs (He must have gone)

                 Modal Ws (probably, perhaps)