The Subjunctive Mood | Meaning & Examples

A verb form called the subjunctive mood is used to make hypothetical references or to convey wishes, suggestions, or commands (e.g., “I suggest you be quiet”). The indicative mood, imperative mood, and subjunctive mood are the three grammatical moods in English.

Verb forms that are subjunctive fall into two categories. While verbs in the past subjunctive are the same as their simple past forms (e.g., “ran”), verbs in the present subjunctive take on the infinitive form (e.g., “be”).

What is the Subjunctive Mood?

The subjunctive mood is a grammatical mood that is used to express hypothetical situations, wishes, suggestions, desires, or commands. It is used to convey actions or states that are not necessarily real or factual but are rather imagined, desired, or contrary to reality. The subjunctive mood is characterized by specific verb forms that differ from those used in the indicative mood, which expresses statements of fact or reality. In English, the subjunctive mood is most commonly observed in certain verb forms, particularly in the present tense, though it can appear in other tenses as well.

For example:

• Wishing: “If I were a bird, I would fly away.” (Not a bird, but wishing to be)
• Doubting: “I don’t think she knows the answer.” (Uncertainty about her knowledge)
• Demanding: “It’s important that she be here on time.” (Not a fact, but a command)
• Possibilities: “Perhaps he has already left.” (Not sure if it’s true)

How to form Subjunctive Mood?

Forming the subjunctive mood in English involves using specific verb forms that differ from those used in the indicative mood. Here’s how to form the subjunctive mood:

• Present Subjunctive: For most verbs, the present subjunctive is identical to the base form of the verb (infinitive) for all persons.
  • For example: “It is important that she attend the meeting.” Here, “attend” is the base form of the verb “to attend.”
• Past Subjunctive: For regular verbs, the past subjunctive is formed by using the past tense form of the verb, often combined with the auxiliary verb “were” for the first and third person singular.
  • For example: “If I were you, I would reconsider.” Here, “were” is the past tense form of the verb “to be.”
• Using Modal Verbs and Expressions: Modal verbs and expressions such as “wish,” “recommend,” “suggest,” “insist,” “request,” “demand,” “order,” “propose,” etc., are often followed by clauses in the subjunctive mood.
  • For example: “The doctor recommends that he take this medication.” Here, “take” is the base form of the verb which is used in the subjunctive mood after the verb “recommends.”

Examples of Subjunctive Mood

• It’s crucial that she be there on time.
  • Explanation: In this sentence, “be” is in the subjunctive mood. The verb “be” is in its base form, which is used in the subjunctive mood after the expression “it’s crucial that.”

• I suggest that he study for the exam.
  • Explanation: In this sentence, “study” is in the subjunctive mood. The verb “study” is in its base form, which is used in the subjunctive mood after the verb “suggest.”
• If I were you, I would reconsider.
  • Explanation: In this sentence, “were” is in the subjunctive mood. The verb “were” is the past tense form of the verb “to be” and is used in the subjunctive mood to express a hypothetical or unreal condition.
• We demand that he apologize for his behavior.
  • Explanation: In this sentence, “apologize” is in the subjunctive mood. The verb “apologize” is in its base form, which is used in the subjunctive mood after the verb “demand.”

Subjunctive Mood- FAQs

What is the difference between subjunctive and conditional mood?

• Subjunctive Mood: Used for desires, recommendations, or hypothetical situations contrary to reality.
• Conditional Mood: Used for hypothetical situations and their potential outcomes under certain conditions.

How to use Subjunctive Mood?

To use the subjunctive mood:

1. Identify triggers like suggestions, recommendations, desires, or commands.
2. Use the base form of the verb after these triggers.
3. Express hypothetical or unreal situations.