Subjunctive mood

Subjunctive mood

by Duyen Le

​What Is the Subjunctive Mood?

​The subjunctive mood is the verb form used to explore a hypothetical situation (e.g., "If I were you") or to express a wish, a demand, or a suggestion (e.g., "I demand he be present").

​Easy Examples of the Subjunctive Mood

​If it were me, I'd go.

(As this explores a hypothetical situation, "was" becomes "were.")

• I wish it were real.

• (As this expresses a wish, "was" becomes "were.")

• It is imperative that the game begin at once.

• (As this expresses a demand, "begins" becomes "begin.")

• I propose he work full time.

• (As this expresses a suggestion, "works" becomes "work.")

​This table summarizes how a verb changes when it's in the subjunctive mood.

​Verbs That Attract the Subjunctive Mood

​The following verbs often attract the subjunctive mood: "to ask," "to command," "to demand," "to insist," "to order," "to recommend," "to suggest," and "to wish."

Adjectives That Attract the Subjunctive Mood

The following adjectives – especially when used with the word "that" – often attract the subjunctive mood: "crucial," "essential," "important," "imperative," and "necessary"

• It is necessary to the happiness of man that he be mentally faithful to himself.

Set Phrases Featuring the Subjunctive Mood

The subjunctive mood also features in some well-known terms.

• God bless you.

• (I wish that "God bless you".)

• God save the Queen.

• (I wish that "God save the Queen".)

• May The Force be with you. (Star Wars)

• The real scientist is ready to bear hardship and, if needs

What Is Mood?

Moodis the form a verb takes to show how it is to be regarded (e.g., as a fact, a command, a wish, an uncertainty).There are three major moods in English:

• The Indicative Mood. This states facts or asks questions. For example:

  • They are playing the guitar./ Are they playing the guitar?

• The Imperative Mood. This expresses a command or a request. For example:

  • Play the guitar!

  • Please play the guitar.

• The Subjunctive Mood. This shows a wish or doubt.

  • I suggest that Lee play the guitar.

  • I propose that Lee be asked to play the guitar.

  • ​If I were Lee, I would play the guitar.

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