The subjunctive mood is a special verb form that English uses to talk about situations that are not certain to happen. This includes expressing wishes, giving suggestions, making demands, or discussing hypothetical scenarios.
In the present subjunctive, the verb form is the same as the base form (infinitive without “to”) for all subjects. For example:
- It’s important that she be on time.
- I suggest that he study more.
For the past subjunctive, which is most commonly seen with the verb “to be,” the form is “were” for all subjects:
- If I were you, I would go to the doctor.
- I wish he were here.
Using the subjunctive mood helps convey that something is desired, necessary, or imagined rather than a statement of fact.
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Table of Contents
- Present Subjunctive
The present subjunctive is a verb form used in English to express wishes, demands, suggestions, or hypothetical situations. It appears only in the base form of the verb (without -s, -ed, or -ing), and it is most commonly found in formal writing and speech. The subject-verb agreement is always the same: the verb remains in its base form regardless of the subject.
- Past Subjunctive
Past subjunctive is a grammatical form used in English to express hypothetical situations, wishes, or conditions that are contrary to fact. It is essential for mastering subjunctive mood.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
