Key Points:
* Not about the real world: The subjunctive mood describes things that *could* happen, *might* happen, or *should* happen, not what *is* happening.
* Used with specific words: Certain words and phrases signal the use of the subjunctive mood.
* Often uses "were" instead of "was": This is a classic way to identify the subjunctive mood in the past tense.
Here are some common uses of the subjunctive mood:
* Expressing wishes:
* "I wish I *were* taller." (You're not actually taller, but you wish you were.)
* "I wish it *would* stop raining." (It might stop, you're hoping it will.)
* Making suggestions:
* "I suggest that she *go* to the doctor." (It's not happening yet, but you're suggesting it.)
* Expressing demands or commands:
* "The judge ordered that the defendant *be* released." (The defendant is not released yet, but the judge is ordering it.)
* Talking about hypothetical situations:
* "If I *were* you, I wouldn't do that." (You're not actually them, this is a hypothetical situation.)
* Expressing something contrary to fact:
* "If I *had* known you were coming, I would have baked a cake." (You didn't know, but you're imagining a different scenario.)
How to use the subjunctive mood:
* Look for key words: "wish," "suggest," "demand," "order," "recommend," "insist," "it is important," "it is essential"
* Pay attention to the verb tense: The subjunctive mood often uses the "base form" of the verb (without any "-s" or "-ed" endings).
* Use "were" instead of "was" for the past tense: This is the classic way to identify the subjunctive mood.
Examples:
* Indicative (real): I am happy. (This is a statement of fact.)
* Subjunctive (hypothetical): I wish I were happy. (This is not a statement of fact.)
* Indicative (real): He goes to the store. (This is a statement of fact.)
* Subjunctive (suggestion): I suggest that he go to the store. (This is a suggestion, not a statement of fact.)
The subjunctive mood might seem confusing, but with practice, you'll master it!