437. The indicative is the mood of direct assertions or questions when there is no modification of the verbal idea except that of time.
a. The indicative is sometimes used where the English idiom would suggest the subjunctive.
Longum est.
It would be tedious [if, etc.].
Satius erat.
It would have been better [if, etc.].
Persequī possum.
I might follow up [in detail].
Note— Substitutes for the indicative are (1) the Historical Infinitive (§ 463), and (2) the Infinitive in Indirect Discourse (§ 580). For the Indicative in Conditions, see §§ 515 - 516; for the Indicative in Implied Commands, see § 449.b.
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