The subjunctive mood in English adds depth and complexity to our language, allowing us to express situations that are not grounded in reality, such as hypothetical scenarios, wishes, and demands. While it may seem challenging at first, mastering the subjunctive can significantly enhance your English fluency.
All Grammatical Moods Table:
| Grammatical Mood | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Indicative/Declarative | 1. State a fact or opinion / 2. Express a condition / 3. Ask a question | 1. Nate lives in Los Angeles. / 2. If you study, you will do well. / 3. Where are you going? |
| Imperative | 1. Give a command, warning, or suggestion / 2. Make a request | 1. Wait for me! / 2. Can you please send it? |
| Subjunctive | 1. Describe a hypothetical scenario / 2. Express a demand, suggestion, or wish | 1. If I were you, I would quit. / 2. I recommend that Kelsey leave. |
Describe a Hypothetical Scenario
To describe a situation that is purely imaginary or contrary to fact, the subjunctive mood often comes into play. It allows speakers to engage in “what if” thinking and storytelling.
- Formula: “If” + subject + past subjunctive verb + rest of the sentence.
- Example: “If I were a millionaire, I would travel the world.”
- Explanation: In this sentence, “If I were a millionaire” sets a condition that is unreal at present. The subjunctive “were” is used instead of “was” after “I,” marking the statement as hypothetical. It indicates a world contrary to the speaker’s current reality — where traveling the world freely is feasible. This construction emphasizes imagining and contemplating scenarios outside our direct experience or truth.
Express a Demand, Suggestion, or Wish
When expressing demands or suggestions, the subjunctive is subtle yet impactful. It softens requests, making them feel more polished and formal.
- Formula: Verb (demand/suggestion) + “that” + subject + base form of the verb.
- Example: “The teacher demands that every student submit their assignment by Monday.”
- Explanation: Here, “demands” is the verb that introduces a necessity. The phrase “that every student submit their assignment” uses the base form “submit” following “that,” even though in the indicative mood, it might be “submits.” This structure highlights the requirement or obligation expressed by such verbs. Words like “suggest,” “demand,” or “insist” often cue the use of the subjunctive to communicate what actions should ideally happen, though they may not yet have occurred.