1. Desire, Wish, or Hope:
* I wish I were taller. (Instead of "was," which would be the factual statement)
* She hopes she gets the job. (Instead of "gets," which is a factual statement)
2. Suggestions, Recommendations, or Demands:
* I suggest she go to the doctor. (Instead of "goes," which is a factual statement)
* The teacher demands that we be quiet. (Instead of "are," which is a factual statement)
3. Uncertainty or Possibility:
* If I were you, I would study harder. (Expresses a hypothetical situation)
* It's important that everyone be prepared for the exam. (Expresses a need or requirement)
4. Contrasting Reality:
* I wish I could travel the world, but I can't afford it. (The "could" expresses a contrasting reality)
* She acts as if she knows everything. (The "knows" expresses a contrasting reality)
Key Characteristics of the Subjunctive:
* Often uses "were" instead of "was" in the past tense: "I wish I were rich."
* Uses a base form of the verb in the present tense: "I demand that he leave."
* Can be signaled by specific words and phrases: "wish," "hope," "suggest," "demand," "it is important," "as if," etc.
The subjunctive is less common in modern English than in the past, but it still plays an important role in expressing a range of nuances and subtleties in language.