The Subjunctive Mood in English

The subjunctive is a special form of a verb used to talk about wishes, suggestions, demands, or things that are not real yet. It often sounds formal but is useful in both spoken and written English.

Dialogue Example

Anna: If I were you, I would take the job.
Ben: I wish I were more confident about my decision.
Anna: It’s important that you be honest with yourself about what you want.
Ben: My mom insists that I follow my passion, but my dad suggests that I choose something stable.
Anna: If only everything were simpler!

I wish I were more confident about my decision.

What is the Subjunctive?

The subjunctive is a verb form that expresses:

• Wishes: I wish it were summer.

• Suggestions: The teacher suggested that he study more.

• Demands: It’s essential that she arrive on time.

• Unreal situations: If he were rich, he’d travel the world.

Key Rules

1. Use "were" instead of "was" for unreal situations or wishes:

   • Correct: If I were a bird, I’d fly away.

   • Incorrect: If I was a bird, I’d fly away.

2. Use the base form of the verb after certain expressions:

   • It’s important that he be ready on time.

   • The doctor recommended that she rest for a week.

3. Use "should" for added emphasis (optional but common in British English):

   • The manager suggested that she should attend the meeting.

Common Phrases Triggering the Subjunctive

Here are some phrases where the subjunctive is often used:

• Wishes: I wish, If only

  • I wish it were sunny.

• Suggestions or recommendations: It’s important that, I suggest that, He recommends that

  • It’s essential that she take her medication.

• Demands or necessity: It’s necessary that, I insist that

  • I insist that you finish your homework.

Practice

1. Rewrite these sentences using the subjunctive:

   • She acts as if she (be) the boss.

   • If I (be) rich, I would donate to charity.

   • The teacher demands that every student (submit) their project by Friday.

2. Fill in the blanks with the correct subjunctive form:

   • I wish it _____ (not rain) so much this week.

   • If he _____ (be) more organized, he wouldn’t miss deadlines.

   • It’s crucial that she _____ (prepare) for the interview.

Answers

1. Rewritten sentences:

   • She acts as if she were the boss.

   • If I were rich, I would donate to charity.

   • The teacher demands that every student submit their project by Friday.

2. Blanks filled:

   • I wish it weren’t raining so much this week.

   • If he were more organized, he wouldn’t miss deadlines.

   • It’s crucial that she prepare for the interview.

Practice these examples to get comfortable with the subjunctive. Once you’re familiar with it, you’ll notice it used often in English!