What is Subjunctive mood? Structures, Usage & Examples

The subjunctive is a mood in English used to express wishes, hypothetical situations, demands, recommendations, suggestions, or conditions contrary to fact. Although much of English subjunctive usage has faded over time, it still appears in formal contexts, certain fixed constructions, and in particular clauses. By learning the subjunctive forms and when to use them, you can produce more polished and nuanced sentences.

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What Is the Subjunctive Mood?

The subjunctive mood in English is used to express actions or states that are subjective, unreal, hypothetical, desired, or not yet factual. It stands in contrast to the indicative mood, which expresses factual statements, and the imperative mood, which issues commands.

In modern English, the subjunctive is less common and often looks very similar to the base form of the verb, but it’s still required in certain formal or set expressions.

Key Features of the Subjunctive

1. Lack of -s in Third Person Singular:
   In the present subjunctive, verbs do not take the usual third-person singular “-s” ending. Instead, they remain in the base form (e.g., “he go” instead of “he goes”).
2. Bare Infinitive (Base Form) for Most Verbs:
   The present subjunctive uses the base form of the verb for all subjects (I, you, he, she, it, we, they).
3. Tense Simplification:
   The subjunctive does not indicate time as precisely as the indicative. The same form can express different time frames depending on context.
4. Use of “Be” and “Were”:
   The verb “be” is irregular in the subjunctive. In the present subjunctive, “be” remains “be” for all persons. In the past subjunctive (or were-subjunctive), “were” is used for all subjects.

Types of Subjunctive Forms in English

1. Present Subjunctive

Used in formal statements of necessity, suggestions, or demands, typically following verbs like demand, suggest, insist, or phrases like it is essential/important. It’s formed using the base verb without conjugation, regardless of the subject.

Structure: (Verb or expression) + that + subject + base verb

• Example:
  • I suggest that she be on time.
  • It is essential that everyone attend the meeting.

Here, “be” and “attend” don’t change for third person singular, showing the subjunctive form.

2. Past Subjunctive

Used for hypothetical or unreal situations, typically with the verb were, even for singular subjects like I, he, she, or it.

Structure: (If/as though) + subject + were

• Example:
  • If I were you, I would take the offer.
  • She behaves as though she were the boss.

This use signals that the situation isn’t real or is imaginary.

3. Perfect Subjunctive

Refers to hypothetical actions in the past that didn’t happen. It’s often used with conditional forms.

Structure: (If/that) + subject + had + past participle

• Example:
  • If he had studied, he would have passed the exam.
  • I wish she had called earlier.

It highlights regret or missed opportunities in the past.

Situations and Structures Where the Subjunctive Is Used

The subjunctive mood is used in specific situations and structures to express wishes, hypothetical situations, necessity, or actions contrary to reality. Below are the key scenarios where the subjunctive is applied, with examples and explanations for each:

1. Expressing Wishes or Desires

The subjunctive is used to state what someone wishes, hopes, or desires.

Key Expressions: wish, would rather, if only
Structure: (Subject + wish) + that + subject + base verb

• Examples:
  • I wish that he were here now.
  • If only she knew the truth.

Here, “were” indicates a hypothetical or unreal situation.

2. Hypothetical or Imaginary Situations

Used to describe unreal or improbable conditions, often in conditional sentences.

Key Words: if, as though, as if
Structure: (If/as though/as if) + subject + were (or had + past participle for past unreal)

• Examples:
  • If I were a bird, I would fly across the ocean.
  • She acts as if she were in charge.

3. Demands, Suggestions, or Recommendations

Used after certain verbs or expressions that indicate necessity or advice.

Key Verbs: demand, suggest, insist, recommend, require
Structure: (Verb/expression + that + subject + base verb)

• Examples:
  • The teacher insisted that the homework be submitted by tomorrow.
  • I suggest that he study harder for the test.

Note how the verb remains in its base form without conjugation.

4. Expressions of Necessity or Importance

Used with phrases that emphasize the necessity or importance of an action.

Key Expressions: It is essential, It is important, It is necessary
Structure: (It is + adjective + that + subject + base verb)

• Examples:
  • It is important that everyone arrive on time.
  • It is crucial that the project be completed by the deadline.

5. Expressing Regrets or Unfulfilled Conditions

The subjunctive is used to express past actions that didn’t happen, often signaling regret or missed opportunities.

Key Expressions: wish, if only
Structure: (Wish/If only) + subject + had + past participle

• Examples:
  • I wish I had studied for the exam.
  • If only she had called earlier.

6. Subjunctive in Fixed Expressions

Certain idiomatic expressions inherently use the subjunctive.

Examples:

• Long live the queen!
• Heaven forbid!
• God save the king!
• Be that as it may.

These phrases often express hope, command, or formal declarations.

7. Conditional Clauses

In “unreal conditionals,” the subjunctive expresses contrary-to-fact situations.

Structure: (If + subject + were/had) + conditional clause

• Examples:
  • If I were you, I would accept the offer.
  • If they had arrived earlier, they would have caught the train.

8. After “Lest” or “For Fear That”

Used to prevent or avoid something undesirable.

Structure: (Lest/For fear that + subject + base verb)

• Examples:
  • She spoke softly lest she wake the baby.
  • He avoided the topic for fear that it offend her.

Differences Between Indicative and Subjunctive moods

The indicative and subjunctive moods in English differ in their purpose, usage, and the types of situations they express. Here’s a breakdown of their key differences:

1. Purpose

• Indicative Mood:
  Used to state facts, real events, or beliefs. It describes something that is true or likely to happen.
  • Example: She is happy. (a factual statement)
• Subjunctive Mood:
  Used to express wishes, hypothetical situations, suggestions, demands, or actions contrary to reality.
  • Example: I suggest that she be happy. (a suggestion, not a fact)

2. Verb Forms

• Indicative Mood:
  Verbs are conjugated to match the subject and tense.
  • Examples:
    • She works every day. (present tense)
    • They were here yesterday. (past tense)
• Subjunctive Mood:
  Verbs often remain in their base form, regardless of the subject. The verb be is consistently be in the present and were in the past, even for singular subjects.
  • Examples:
    • It is essential that she be on time. (present subjunctive)
    • If I were rich, I would travel the world. (past subjunctive)

3. Situations Where Each is Used

• Indicative Mood:
  • Statements of fact:
    The sky is blue.
  • Questions:
    What time is it?
  • Descriptions of reality:
    She believes in miracles.
• Subjunctive Mood:
  • Wishes:
    I wish I were taller.
  • Suggestions/Demands:
    The teacher insists that he study more.
  • Hypothetical/Contrary-to-fact:
    If she were here, she would help.

4. Clarity of Reality vs. Hypothetical

• Indicative Mood:
  Reflects reality or what is assumed to be true.
  • Example: He has a car. (This is a fact.)
• Subjunctive Mood:
  Suggests what could be, what is imagined, or what is desired.
  • Example: If he had a car, we could go on a road trip. (Hypothetical; he doesn’t actually have a car.)

5. Common Triggers

• Indicative Mood:
  Triggered by factual statements, declarative sentences, or straightforward questions.
  • Example:
    • I think it is raining.
    • She knows the answer.
• Subjunctive Mood:
  Triggered by verbs and expressions indicating suggestions, wishes, or hypothetical scenarios.
  • Example:
    • I suggest that he be quiet.
    • If only she were here!

Key Examples Side-by-Side

Additional Notes and Variations

1. Using “Should” Instead of the Subjunctive: In British English and less formal contexts, it’s common to use “should” in that-clauses where the subjunctive might appear: Examples:
   • Subjunctive: “They insisted that he go.”
   • With “should”: “They insisted that he should go.”
   Both forms are correct, but the pure subjunctive form is more formal.
2. Optional Use of Subjunctive: In many cases, especially in everyday conversation, native English speakers may avoid the subjunctive by phrasing sentences differently, using indicative forms or modal verbs. Example:
   • Subjunctive: “I recommend that he arrive early.”
   • Alternative: “I recommend that he should arrive early.” or “I recommend him arriving early.”

Practice Exercises

1. Identify the subjunctive form in each sentence:
   • “It is important that he arrive on time.” (Subjunctive: arrive)
   • “If I were you, I would apologize.” (Subjunctive: were)
2. Rewrite the following sentences using the subjunctive where possible:
   • Original: “The teacher demands that the students must pay attention.”
     Subjunctive: “The teacher demands that the students pay attention.”
   • Original: “It’s important that she is present at the meeting.”
     Subjunctive: “It’s important that she be present at the meeting.”
3. Create a sentence using the subjunctive after a recommendation:
   • “I recommend that he take a break.”