X-Nico

unusual facts about the powers that be |



English subjunctive

The expression "the powers that be" however does not contain a subjunctive: it is a Biblical quotation from Romans 13:1 where it translates a present participle, using the archaic alternative indicative form "be" for "are".


see also

Andrea Bajani

Lidia Ravera, another participant in the symposium, said of the novel:There is a chasm between my generation and the new generation, but the youthful protest is even alive and dangerous for the powers that be".