Understanding the Subjunctive Mood

The subjunctive mood is a verb form used to express

i.e wishes, recommendations, demands, doubts, and possibilities.

Unlike the indicative mood (used for facts) and the imperative mood (used for commands), the subjunctive deals with what isn’t yet real but is suggested, necessary, or imagined.

When to Use the Subjunctive

1. After Certain Verbs (Recommend, Suggest, Demand, Insist, prefer etc.)
These verbs often trigger the subjunctive because they express advice, necessity, or urgency rather than facts.

Structure:

[Verb of suggestion/demand] + that + [subject] + [base verb (no -s)]

✅ She suggests that he study harder. (Not “studies”)
✅ The boss demands that the report be finished today. (Not “is”)
✅ I insist that she come with us. (Not “comes”)

Common Verbs:

Advise, ask, command, demand, desire, insist, propose, recommend, request, suggest, urge

2. After Expressions of Necessity or Importance

Phrases like “It is necessary that,” “It is important that,” “It is crucial that” also require the subjunctive.

✅ It’s essential that he arrive on time. (Not “arrives”)
✅ It’s important that she be honest. (Not “is”)

3. Hypothetical/Wishful Situations (Using “Were” Instead of “Was”)

For unreal or imaginary situations, we use “were” for all subjects (I, he, she, it), even if it’s singular.

✅ If I were rich, I would travel the world. (Not “was”)
✅ She acts as if she were the boss. (Not “was”)

4. Fixed Phrases & Formal Expressions

Some common subjunctive phrases include:

God save the Queen! (Not “saves”)

Long live the king! (Not “lives”)

So be it.

Key Rules to Remember
No -s in third-person singular (he, she, it):

❌ She insists that he goes.

✅ She insists that he go.

“Be” is used instead of “am/is/are” in present subjunctive:

❌ It’s important that she is here.

✅ It’s important that she be here.

“Were” replaces “was” in hypotheticals:

❌ If I was you, I’d apologize.

✅ If I were you, I’d apologize.

Practice Sentences (Correct the Errors)
❌ The teacher requires that everyone brings their book.
✅ The teacher requires that everyone bring their book.

❌ It’s crucial that he is on time.
✅ It’s crucial that he be on time.

❌ I wish I was taller.
✅ I wish I were taller.

Final Summary

Use the base verb (no -s) after verbs like suggest, demand, insist.

Use “be” instead of “am/is/are” in formal demands.

Use “were” for hypotheticals (wishes, “if” clauses).

List

1. Can
Function: Expresses ability, possibility, or permission.

Example: “She can solve complex equations very quickly.” (ability)

Example: “You can borrow my book.” (permission)

2. May
Function: Expresses permission or possibility (more formal than can).

Example: “May I be excused from the table?” (permission)

Example: “It may rain later, so take an umbrella.” (possibility)

3. Must
Function: Expresses strong obligation, necessity, or a logical conclusion.

Example: “Students must complete the assignment by Friday.” (obligation)

Example: “You’ve been traveling all day; you must be tired.” (logical conclusion)

4. Shall (Formal/British English)
Function: Used for suggestions, offers, or future action (especially in formal contexts).

Example: “Shall we go for a walk?” (suggestion)

Example: “I shall inform him of your decision.” (future action)

5. Will
Function: Expresses future intention, certainty, or a promise.

Example: “I will call you when I arrive.” (promise)

Example: “The sun will rise at 6:23 AM tomorrow.” (certainty)

6. Should
Function: Expresses advice, expectation, or mild obligation.

Example: “You should get more sleep.” (advice)

Example: “The package should arrive today.” (expectation)

7. Would (for present hypotheticals or politeness)
Function: Used for polite requests, preferences, or hypothetical situations in the present.

Example: “Would you please pass the salt?” (polite request)

Example: “If I had more time, I would learn the piano.” (present hypothetical)

8. Could (for present possibility or ability)
Function: Expresses possibility or a potential ability in the present.

Example: “It could be true.” (present possibility)

Example: “We could go to the beach if the weather is nice.” (suggestion)

9. Might
Function: Expresses a weaker or more uncertain possibility than may or could.

Example: “I might join you for dinner, but I’m not sure yet.” (uncertainty)

10. Ought to
Function: Similar to should; expresses duty, correctness, or advisability.

Example: “You ought to apologize for what you said.” (advisability)