The past subjunctive is used for situations that are hypothetical, contrary to fact, or express wishes, specifically relating to the past. It often appears in "if" clauses and after verbs that express doubt, desire, or emotion.
- Used for unreal, hypothetical, or wished-for situations in the past.
- Common in "if" clauses (conditionals) and after certain expressions of desire or emotion.
- Marks a clear distinction between factual and non-factual statements about the past.
Form
The past subjunctive form for all verbs in English is 'were', especially for 'to be'.
For most verbs, the past subjunctive resembles the simple past, but for to be, use were for all subjects.
| Subject | Verb (to be) | Other Verbs |
|---|---|---|
| I/You/He/She/It/We/They | were | (regular past form) |
Regular verbs:
"I/he/she/they worked" (indicative) vs. "If I/he/she/they worked..." (past subjunctive in conditional context)
For to be:
"If I/he/she were..." (not "was")
The correct past subjunctive form of 'to be' for all subjects is 'were'.
Usage
Hypothetical/Contrary-to-Fact Conditions
Use past subjunctive in "if" clauses to describe situations that are not true or unlikely in the past.
"If I were you, I would have studied harder." (You are not me; it's hypothetical)
- Describes unreal or imagined situations.
- Common in both present and past hypothetical contexts.
Use 'were' for hypotheticals or contrary-to-fact conditions, not for facts.
Wishes
Expressing wishes about situations that are impossible or unlikely:
"I wish I were taller." (But I’m not)
For past wishes:
"I wish you had told me." (You didn't tell me; it's a past subjunctive/hypothetical wish)
After Certain Expressions
Following verbs or expressions that show desire, emotion, doubt, or necessity, especially in subordinate clauses:
- "It's important that he be on time." (present subjunctive)
- "They recommended that she study abroad."
For past situations:
- "If he were available, we would have invited him."
Examples
| Context | Example (to be) | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Hypothetical Present | If I were a bird, I’d fly. | Not true; imagining a situation. |
| Hypothetical Past | If I were you, I’d have left earlier. | Advice for a past situation, imagined. |
| Wish (Present) | I wish I were younger. | Wish contrary to reality. |
| Wish (Past) | I wish you had told me. | Regretting past action not done. |
Past subjunctive is used for hypotheticals, contrary-to-fact conditions, and wishes about the past.
Conclusion
The past subjunctive is key to expressing nuance about unreal, wished-for, or hypothetical situations, especially in "if" clauses and after wishful statements.
- Use "were" for all subjects with to be in subjunctive mood.
- Employ past subjunctive for hypotheticals, wishes, and contrary-to-fact ideas.
- Recognizing subjunctive forms helps distinguish fact from imagination in past contexts.