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.

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"Subjunctive Mood" in English Grammar

What Is Subjunctive Mood?

A subjunctive mood is a verb form or a set of verb forms in grammar that is used for expressing wishes, suggestions, doubts, etc.

I suggest she wear that black dress.

I wish it were real.

What Does It Look Like?

A subjunctive verb usually, although not always, appears in a sentence with two clauses. Subjunctives appear in subordinate clauses and the other clause has an indicative verb.

I wish that I could afford a new car.

I suggest you call him first.

Structure

The verbs turn to another form when it comes to the 'subjunctive mood.' Here are the changes:

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 an 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

We can use the subjunctive mood to talk about things or events that are not based on facts. We use it to express:

  1. Wishes
  2. Demands
  3. Suggestions
  4. Necessity

I wished Sam were with me. (wishes)

I demand that he apologize. (demands)

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

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

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