You may have come across the subjunctive mood in a grammar lesson and wondered what it means. In grammar when we talk about moods, we do not mean different moods like the ones below….

 

Mood refers to a verb form the writer uses to show their attitude towards the content of their words. So depending on what they want to write, they will use the appropriate mood.

 

So what mood is that? Read on to find out more about the subjunctive mood…

In English there are 3 main moods:

The Indicative Mood – it states facts or asks questions
e.g. They are dancing all night.
Are they dancing all night?

The Imperative Mood – it expresses a command or request.
e.g. Come here!
Please come here.

The Subjunctive Mood – this shows a wish or doubt, a command.
e.g. If I were a fairy I would fly around the garden.
I suggest that she play the piano.
I propose that he dance to the music.

You may have noticed in the above examples, that the form of a verb in the subjunctive mood may be different.

I wish I was a driver. (Not in the subjunctive)
If I were a driver, I would drive fast. (Subjunctive mood)

Notice that these verbs change:

is  >>>>>> be
was >>>>>>>> were
present verbs in the 3rd person singular (with s) >>>>>>>>>>> drop the s 

Verbs that ❤ the subjunctive mood:

ask, command, demand, insist, order, recommend, suggest, wish

Adjectives that ❤ the subjunctive mood:

crucial, essential, important, imperative, necessary

Use the subjunctive mood to express wishes and needs.

 

I hope this post helps clarify the subjunctive mood. Please like and share if it does!

Till next time…

This post is dedicated to Matin. 😎