LoginSubjunctive Mood
Subjunctive is a form or mood of verbs that helps us talk about wishes, possibility or uncertainty. To learn about this mood, start reading this article.
What Is Subjunctive Mood?
The subjunctive mood is a verb form or in English that is used to express desires, suggestions, doubts, or hypothetical situations. By using the subjunctive mood, the speaker can convey a sense of uncertainty or possibility, and express ideas that are not necessarily rooted in fact.
Subjunctive Mood: Backshift
When using the subjunctive mood, verbs often change form. This process is commonly referred to as 'backshift'. Here are the changes:
- Am/Is/Are → Be
You
As you can see, 'are' in the declarative mood is changed to 'be' in the subjunctive mood.
- has → have
She
'Has' in the declarative mood is changed to 'have' in the subjunctive mood.
- was → were
I
'Was' in the declarative mood is changed to 'were' in the subjunctive mood.
- verbs in the 3rd person singular → the '-s' is omitted
He
Here, the '-s' in the 3rd person singular verb 'exercises' is omitted when it's used in the subjunctive mood.
Tip!
In informal English, 'that' is commonly omitted from sentences with subjunctive mood.
It's important
Subjunctive Mood: Common Verbs
The following is a list of some verbs that commonly need a subjunctive mood:
- suggest
- demand
- wish
- recommend
- order
- command
- insist
- ask
Mike
Remember, in the subjunctive mood the verbs are not conjugated into third person singular form.
Sarah
Subjunctive Mood: Common Adjectives
The following is a list of some adjectives that are commonly used in the subjunctive mood. These adjectives are often used in 'It is + adj + (that)' structure:
- important
- necessary
- essential
- vital
- crucial
It is
It is
Tip!
In English, we normally do not encounter a negative subjunctive sentence. The subjunctive mood is usually used in an affirmative construction.
I suggest that he be late.')
The Present Subjunctive
a sentence in the subjunctive mood
The present subjunctive form of a verb is the same as its base form. It is often used in formal English to indicate that something is important or suggested.
Below, you can see verbs and expressions that commonly use the present subjunctive mood:
- Adjectives: important, necessary, essential, crucial ...
- Verbs: suggest, recommend, demand, insist, ask ...
Present Subjunctive Mood: Other Ways
If you prefer not to sound formal, you can use:
- the modal verb 'should'
It's important that she be there. → She
- 'for + pronoun/object + to-infinitive'
It's important that she be there. → It's important
The Past Subjunctive
To discuss unreal or improbable situations in the present or future, we can use the past subjunctive. With the exception of the verb 'be', the past subjunctive form of all verbs is their past simple form. The past subjunctive form of 'be' is '
The past subjunctive is used with:
If I
Remember not to use 'was' for third and first person singular.
- 'It's (about/high) time...' expression
It's about time you
An expression used to emphasize that something should have occurred a long time ago.
- with the verb 'Wish'
I wish I
Was or Were?
'Was' is sometimes used in the subjunctive mood, especially in informal English. However, it is generally considered more correct to always use 'were' in these contexts.
I wish I
Tip!
When using the 'I wish...' structure to express a wish or desire, adding 'would' can convey a sense of annoyance or impatience with the current situation. Pay attention to the example:
Here, we man leaving your clothes all over the floor is 'annoying.'
- 'If only' expressions
If only I
- 'I'd rather' expressions
Well, I'd rather you
Used to show that you prefer to have or do one thing more than another.
- 'as if/as though' expressions
It's my birthday.
They have a similar meaning and are used to talk about an imaginary situation or a situation that may not be true but is likely or possible. 'As if' is more common than 'as though.'
Tip!
When discussing a situation that is probable or real, it is possible to use the present tense after 'as if/though.'
It sounds
In this case, we mean 'You are probably having a great time.'
Past Perfect Subjunctive
When discussing wishes in the past, it is common to use the past perfect tense. This tense is often used to describe hypothetical situations that did not actually occur.
I wish I
By using the past perfect tense, the speaker can convey a sense of regret or desire for a different outcome in the past.
I wish you
Review
In English grammar, mood is the way someone expresses a hypothetical situation, a wish, a demand, or a suggestion.
English Moods
| the indicative mood |
I |
| the imperative mood |
|
| the subjunctive mood |
If I |
Subjunctive Mood
The 'subjunctive mood' indicates situations that are not real and are hypothetical. In addition to that, it expresses a suggestion, a necessity, importance, a possibility, a wish, or the way you want something to be.
Present Subjunctive
| am/is/are → be |
You |
| has → have |
She |
| verbs in 3rd person singular → the '-s' is omitted |
He |
| the modal verb 'should' |
It's important that she be there. → She |
| for + pronoun/object + infinitive with to' |
It's important that she be there. → It's important for her |
Past Subjunctive
| was → were |
I |
| conditional II type sentences |
If I |
| 'It's (about/high) time...' expression |
It's about time you |
| the verb 'Wish' |
I |
| 'if only' expression |
|
| 'I'd rather' expression |
Well, I'd rather you |
| 'as if/though' expressions |
It's my birthday. As if you |
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