French Modal Syntax in the Sixteenth Century

The French language was marked by significant shifts during the sixteenth century that would settle into more standardized usage thereafter. The purpose of this volume, a comparative grammar, is to discern transitions in modal syntax and to formulate the rules that governed it during that time. Major sections address rules regarding usage after declarative expressions; after expressions of emotion; after expressions of volition or necessity; in adverbial clauses of purpose; in consecutive clauses; in comparative clauses; in temporal adverbial clauses; in causative adverbial clauses; in adverbial clauses of concession; and a general summary of subjunctive usage.