Table of Contents
Introduction
In English grammar, there’s a unique and not-so-common form called the subjunctive mood. It has two types: the present subjunctive and the past subjunctive. This article will break down the subjunctive mood, looking at how it works, when to use it, and how it’s different from other moods like indicative and imperative.
Definition of the Subjunctive Mood
The subjunctive mood is a verb form expressing doubt, possibility, necessity, or action that has not yet occurred. It often appears in situations where certainty is not guaranteed, such as desires, wishes, recommendations, or hypothetical scenarios.
There are two sorts of subjunctive forms in English:
- The Present Subjunctive: I insist that you give your own opinion about this issue.
- The Past Subjunctive: If I were you, I wouldn’t make the same mistake again.
Difference Between Indicative, Imperative, and Subjunctive Moods
Before delving into the subjunctive mood, let’s first look at grammatical moods overall. There are three main types of moods in English:
- Indicative: This mood is for stating facts.
- Example: John sat down.
- Imperative: This mood is for giving commands.
- Example: John, sit down!
- Subjunctive: This mood is for expressing desires and hypothetical situations.
- Example: I demand that you sit down.
Here is a table illustrating the difference between the indicative, imperative, and subjunctive modes in English:
| Mood | Example | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Indicative | “She walks to the store.” | Statements of fact or reality. |
| Imperative | “Walk to the store.” | Commands or requests. |
| Subjunctive | “I suggest that she walk to the store.” | Expresses doubt, wishes, or hypothetical situations. |
The form of the subjunctive
As mentioned before, there are two forms of the subjunctive mood in English: the present and the past subjunctive:
Present Subjunctive
How is it formed?
- The present subjunctive is identical to the bare infinitive (the infinitive without “to”) for all verbs.
When to use it?
- The present subjunctive is used when discussing events that are uncertain, desired, or imagined.
Examples
- The minister hopes that you help him with the new law.
- I ask that she tell the truth!
- It is vital that you finish your studies.
- I suggest that you visit Paris.
- I demand that you apologize.
Here is a table highlighting the form of the present subjunctive mood:
NOTE: Remember that the subjunctive in the present is the same as the bare infinitive (infinitive without “to”) for all verbs.
| Subject pronouns | The verb to be | The verb to meet |
|---|---|---|
| I | be | meet |
| you | be | meet |
| he, she, it | be | meet |
| we | be | meet |
| you | be | meet |
| they | be | meet |
Past Subjunctive
How is it formed?
- The past subjunctive is specific to the verb “to be” and takes the form “were.”
When to use it?
- It is used in situations expressing doubt, desires, or hypothetical conditions.
Examples
- I wish he were here to celebrate the achievement with us.
- If I were taller, I could have reached the top shelf.
- She spoke as if it were the last time she would see him.
- I would be happier if the weather were better during the vacation.
- He acted as though he were the owner of the company.
Here is a table highlighting the form of the past subjunctive mood:
NOTE: Remember that the past subjunctive relates only to the verb to be. It takes the form were
The past subjunctive relates only to the verb to be. It takes the form were
| Subject pronouns | The verb to be |
|---|---|
| I | were |
| you | were |
| he, she, it | were |
| we | were |
| you | were |
| they | were |
Common Uses of the Subjunctive
1. We generally use the subjunctive when talking about events that are not certain to happen, especially when talking about events someone wants to happen, hopes will happen or imagines happening.
Examples:
- The minister hopes that you help him with the new law.
- If I were you I would buy this house.
2. Typically, the subjunctive is used after these structures:
- It is essential, vital, important, necessary, desirable,…+ that
- The verbs ask, recommend, request, suggest, insist, propose, command + that
- If only…
- I wish…
Examples:
- It is vital that you finish your studies.
- I suggest that you visit Paris.
- It is essential that he be present at the meeting for the decision-making process.
- It is vital that the project be completed before the deadline.
- It’s important that she choose the right course for her career.
- It is necessary that they follow the safety protocols during the experiment.
- It is desirable that everyone on the team contribute their ideas for a successful brainstorming session.
- If only he were here to witness this incredible moment.
- I wish he were here!
3. The subjunctive is also used in conditional sentences type II:
The subjunctive form of the verb to be is used in conditional sentences type II, So after “if” (and other words having the same meaning) the verb “to be” takes the form of the past subjunctive.
- If I were rich I would buy that beautiful car.
- I wouldn’t marry her if I were you.
- If she were attentive to his problems she would help him.
- If I were in your shoes, I would consider a different approach.
- Suppose you were a millionaire, what would you do?
Common Phrases Involving Subjunctive
Certain fixed expressions and conditional sentences type II use the subjunctive mood:
- Long live the King!
- God bless America!
- If need be!
- If I were rich, I would buy that beautiful car.
Here are additional common phrases and expressions that use the subjunctive mood:
- Come what may: Example: Come what may, we will face the challenges together.
- Far be it from me: Example: Far be it from me to criticize your decision.
- Heaven forbid: Example: Heaven forbid that anything bad happens.
- Suffice it to say: Example: Suffice it to say, the project did not go as planned.
- Be that as it may: Example: Be that as it may, we need to find a solution.
- If need be: Example: I will help you if need be.
- God bless you: Example: God bless you on your journey.
- May it please the court: Example: May it please the court to consider the evidence.
These phrases often involve wishes, hypothetical situations, or expressions of uncertainty, making them prime examples of the subjunctive mood in use.
Conclusion
While the subjunctive mood may seem elusive, understanding its forms and applications adds a layer of nuance to language expression. Whether conveying desires, hopes, or hypotheticals, the subjunctive mood enriches the tapestry of communication, allowing speakers to navigate the uncertain terrain of language with finesse and precision.
More on the subjunctive mood here.