How to use the subjunctive mood, English Grammar

The subjunctive mood is a grammatical mood used to express various states of unreality or non-factuality, such as wishes, suggestions, hypothetical situations, doubts, and emotions. It is often used in formal or literary contexts and can be tricky to use correctly in English.

How to use the subjunctive mood

To use the subjunctive mood correctly, you need to pay attention to the verb forms and structures that are specific to this mood. Here are some tips to help you use the subjunctive mood correctly:

Use the subjunctive to express wishes or desires.

Examples:

• I wish I were taller.
• May you have a wonderful birthday!

Use the subjunctive to express suggestions or recommendations.

Examples:

• It is important that she study for the exam.
• The teacher suggested that we go to the library.

Use the subjunctive to express hypothetical or contrary-to-fact situations.

Examples:

• If I were rich, I would travel the world.
• I wish I had known about the sale earlier.

Use the subjunctive after certain verbs and expressions such as "demand", "insist", "suggest", "recommend", "propose", "lest", and "in case".

Examples:

• The teacher demanded that the students be quiet.
• She recommended that he take a break.
• In case he comes, we should be prepared.

Use the subjunctive after "if" or "whether" in formal contexts.

Example:

• I wonder if he is coming to the party.

Note that the subjunctive form of verbs is usually the same as the base form, except for the third person singular, which takes the form "be" instead of "is" or "are".

In conclusion, the subjunctive mood is used to express various states of unreality or non-factuality, such as wishes, suggestions, hypothetical situations, doubts, and emotions. By understanding the specific verb forms and structures that are used in this mood, you can use it correctly and effectively in your writing.