Subjunctive Mood

For Intermediate learners

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 indicates situations that are unreal and hypothetical. This mood is often used to convey ideas that are not necessarily based on reality, but rather express a wish or desire.

Subjunctive Mood: Structure

Subjunctive verbs are typically, although not always, used in sentences with two clauses. The subjunctive verb appears in the subordinate clauses, while the other clause contains an indicative verb. Pay attention to the examples:

I wish that I could afford a new car.

I suggest you call him first.

Verb Structure

Verbs change form when used in the subjunctive mood. The changes are as follows:

Normal Form	Subjunctive Form
Am/is/are	be
Has	have
Was	were
Third-person singulars	verbs without 's' or 'es'

You are courageous. → I suggest that you be courageous.

She has a brand new phone. → I suggest she have a brand new phone.

I was in a good mood. → I wish I were in a good mood.

He exercises every day. → I suggest he exercise every day.

Uses

The subjunctive mood can be used to express ideas or events that are hypothetical or not based on facts. We use it to express:

Wishes
Demands
Suggestions
Necessity

I wished Sam were with me. (wishes)

I demand that he apologize. (demands)

I suggested that she go and see a doctor. (suggestions)

It's necessary that they be heard. (necessities)

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What Is Subjunctive Mood?
- Verb Structure
Uses

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