Subjunctive mood in English grammar, explanation, usage, examples, and rules for expressing wishes, demands, suggestions, and hypothetical situations.
The subjunctive mood is a verb form used in English to express wishes, demands, suggestions, or hypothetical situations that are not necessarily true or real. It often appears in clauses beginning with “that” after verbs like “suggest,” “recommend,” “demand,” or expressions like “I wish.” For most verbs, the subjunctive form is the base form (e.g., “be” instead of “is,” “go” instead of “goes”), regardless of the subject. Understanding the subjunctive helps convey more precise and nuanced meanings, especially in formal writing and speech.
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Table of Contents
- Present Subjunctive
An overview of the English present subjunctive mood, including its usage, formation, and comparison with other verb forms.
- Past Subjunctive
Past subjunctive in English grammar, used to express hypothetical situations, wishes, or conditions contrary to fact, especially with “were” and “had.”
Last updated: Thu Jun 12, 2025
