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Subjunctive Mood

Subjunctive Mood

The subjunctive mood is used to express wishes, suggestions, demands, hypothetical situations, and other non-factual statements. While less common in modern English than in other languages, it's still important in formal writing and certain fixed expressions.

Present Subjunctive

The present subjunctive uses the base form of the verb for all persons (no -s for third person singular).

Formation

Base form of verb (same for all persons)

  • I suggest he be present at the meeting.
  • It's important that she arrive on time.
  • We demand that the company pay fair wages.

Uses of Present Subjunctive

1. After Verbs of Suggestion, Demand, Request

Common verbs: suggest, recommend, propose, demand, insist, request, require, ask

  • The doctor suggested that she take more exercise.
  • I insist that he apologize for his behavior.
  • The committee recommended that the rule be changed.
  • We demand that the government act immediately.

2. After Adjectives Expressing Necessity or Importance

Common adjectives: important, necessary, essential, vital, crucial, urgent, advisable

  • It's important that everyone be informed.
  • It's essential that the work be completed on time.
  • It's necessary that he understand the consequences.
  • It's vital that we find a solution quickly.

3. In "That" Clauses After Nouns

Common nouns: suggestion, recommendation, proposal, demand, requirement

  • His suggestion that we leave early was wise.
  • The requirement that students attend all classes is strict.
  • Her proposal that the meeting be postponed was accepted.

Past Subjunctive (Were-Subjunctive)

Uses "were" for all persons in hypothetical situations.

Formation

"Were" for all persons

  • If I were you, I would accept the offer.
  • I wish he were here to help us.
  • She acts as if she were the boss.

Uses of Past Subjunctive

1. In Second Conditional Sentences

  • If I were rich, I would travel the world.
  • If she were taller, she could be a model.
  • If we were in charge, things would be different.

2. After "Wish"

Expressing wishes about present situations:

  • I wish I were younger.
  • She wishes she were better at math.
  • We wish the weather were nicer.

3. After "As if/As though"

  • He talks as if he were an expert.
  • She acted as though she were surprised.
  • They behave as if they were children.

4. In Fixed Expressions

  • If I were you, I'd be careful.
  • Were it not for your help, we would have failed.
  • As it were (meaning "so to speak")

Perfect Subjunctive

Uses "had" + past participle for all persons in hypothetical past situations.

Formation

"Had" + past participle

  • I wish I had studied harder in school.
  • If only we had known about the problem earlier.
  • She acts as if nothing had happened.

Uses of Perfect Subjunctive

1. Third Conditional Sentences

  • If I had been there, I would have helped.
  • If she had studied, she would have passed.

2. After "Wish" (Past Regrets)

  • I wish I had taken that job.
  • He wishes he had been more careful.
  • We wish we had met you sooner.

3. After "If only"

  • If only I had listened to your advice!
  • If only we had arrived earlier!

Formal vs. Informal Usage

Formal (Subjunctive)

  • I suggest that he be promoted.
  • It's important that she arrive early.
  • I wish I were able to help.

Informal (Indicative)

  • I suggest that he is promoted.
  • It's important that she arrives early.
  • I wish I was able to help.

Fixed Expressions with Subjunctive

Traditional Expressions

  • God save the Queen!
  • Long live the King!
  • Heaven forbid that should happen!
  • Come what may, we'll face it together.
  • Be that as it may, we must continue.

Legal and Formal Language

  • Be it resolved that the motion is approved.
  • Suffice it to say that we're disappointed.
  • Far be it from me to criticize, but...

Modal Alternatives to Subjunctive

Often, modal verbs can replace subjunctive constructions:

Should + Base Form

  • I suggest that he should be promoted.
  • It's important that she should arrive early.

Would + Base Form (in conditionals)

  • If I were rich → If I had money
  • I wish I were younger → I would like to be younger

Regional Differences

American English

More likely to use subjunctive:

  • The judge ordered that he be released.
  • I suggest that she take the job.

British English

More likely to use "should" or indicative:

  • The judge ordered that he should be released.
  • I suggest that she takes the job.

Common Mistakes

1. Using wrong verb form in subjunctive

  • Incorrect: I suggest that he goes home.
  • Correct: I suggest that he go home.

2. Using "was" instead of "were" in hypothetical situations

  • Incorrect: If I was you, I'd leave.
  • Correct: If I were you, I'd leave.

3. Missing subjunctive after certain expressions

  • Incorrect: It's important that he comes early.
  • Correct: It's important that he come early.

4. Overusing subjunctive in informal contexts

Use subjunctive mainly in formal writing and speech.

Practice Exercises

Complete with the correct subjunctive form:

  1. The teacher insisted that the student _____ (apologize).
  2. If I _____ (be) president, I would change many things.
  3. I wish I _____ (have) more time yesterday.
  4. It's essential that everyone _____ (understand) the rules.
  5. She acts as if she _____ (be) the manager.

Answers:

  1. apologize (present subjunctive)
  2. were (past subjunctive)
  3. had had (perfect subjunctive)
  4. understand (present subjunctive)
  5. were (past subjunctive)

Transform to use subjunctive:

  1. I suggest that he should go home.
  2. It's important that she should be careful.
  3. I wish I was taller.

Answers:

  1. I suggest that he go home.
  2. It's important that she be careful.
  3. I wish I were taller.