Subjunctive Mood in English | Defination, Example with Exercise

The subjunctive mood is an essential part of English grammar that many learners often find tricky. It is used to express a variety of situations that are not necessarily factual, such as desires, suggestions, hypothetical situations, or actions that are wished for but not yet realized.

While the subjunctive mood may sound complex at first, breaking it down into smaller components can make it much easier to understand and apply in everyday speech and writing.

In this article, we’ll explore the subjunctive mood in English in detail, explaining how it works, when to use it, and providing plenty of examples. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of how to use the subjunctive correctly in your writing and conversations.

What Is the Subjunctive Mood?

At its core, the subjunctive mood is a grammatical structure used to express things that are contrary to fact or uncertain, such as:

• Hypothetical situations

• Wishes

• Demands or recommendations

• Suggestions

Unlike the indicative mood, which is used for statements of fact, or the imperative mood, which is used for commands, the subjunctive mood introduces uncertainty or hypothetical conditions. In many cases, these sentences reflect situations that may or may not occur.

Features of the Subjunctive Mood

To help you grasp the subjunctive mood in English, here are the main aspects you need to understand:

1. Verb Forms—Subjunctive verbs are often in their base form. For example, “be” instead of “is” or “are.”

2. Common Usage – It’s typically used in dependent clauses (after certain verbs like “suggest” or “recommend”).

3. No Subject-Verb Agreement—Unlike in other verb moods, the subjunctive mood does not follow subject-verb agreement.

When Should You Use the Subjunctive Mood?

The subjunctive mood is used in the following scenarios:

1. Hypothetical or Unreal Situations—When discussing things that aren’t true or likely to happen.

   • Example: If I were a millionaire, I would travel the world.

2. Expressing Wishes or Desires—To express a wish for something that is not currently a reality.

   • Example: I wish he were here to help us.

3. Making Suggestions or Recommendations—Often used after verbs like “suggest,” “recommend,” or “ask.”

   • Example: She suggested that he be careful when driving.

4. After Certain Expressions of Necessity or Urgency—When emphasizing that something is important or required.

   • Example: It is essential that she arrive on time.

The Present Subjunctive Mood

The present subjunctive is the simplest form of the subjunctive and is used when talking about actions or situations that are hypothetical or unreal in the present or future. This mood does not change according to the subject, which is a key difference from regular verb forms.

How to Form the Present Subjunctive

The present subjunctive uses the base form of the verb (the infinitive) regardless of the subject. For example:

• I suggest that he be careful.

• It is crucial that we take the necessary precautions.

Even though we’re referring to “he,” “we,” or “you,” the verb stays in its base form, not changing to “is” or “are.”

Common Verbs and Phrases That Trigger the Present Subjunctive:

• Recommend

• Suggest

• Insist

• Demand

• It’s crucial/important/essential

• It’s necessary

Example Sentences:

• It is important that she leave immediately.

• The teacher insisted that the students complete their assignments on time.

Negative Forms in the Present Subjunctive

To form negative sentences in the present subjunctive, simply add the word not before the verb:

• It is essential that we not miss the deadline.

• The company demands that the report not be submitted late.

The Past Subjunctive Mood

The past subjunctive is used to express hypothetical situations, regrets, or conditions contrary to reality. It is primarily used in conditional statements, often introduced with “if.”

One of the most well-known aspects of the past subjunctive is its use with the verb “be.” Regardless of the subject, the verb “be” changes to “were” in the past subjunctive.

Example:

• If I were rich, I would travel the world. (Note the use of were instead of was.)

Common Examples of the Past Subjunctive:

• I wish she were here.

• If I were in your shoes, I would act differently.

Important Tip: The past subjunctive is often confused with the conditional or hypothetical if-clause, which can make it a bit tricky for learners. A key distinction is that the past subjunctive deals with impossibilities, whereas conditional sentences in the indicative mood refer to likely or possible events.

Common Mistakes in Using the Subjunctive Mood

Although the subjunctive mood may seem straightforward, there are common mistakes that many English learners make. Let’s address some of these potential pitfalls:

1. Confusing “Were” and “Was”

   • The most frequent mistake is using “was” in sentences that require the past subjunctive. For example, in the sentence “If I were you,” “was” should be replaced with “were.”

   • Correct: If I were you, I would take that job.

2. Incorrect Verb Forms

   • Sometimes, people mistakenly use the indicative form of verbs instead of the subjunctive form. For instance, saying “He suggested that she go” is incorrect. It should be:

   • Correct: He suggested that she go.

3. Omitting the Subjunctive in Necessary Contexts

   • In some cases, learners forget to use the subjunctive where it’s required, particularly with expressions like “It is essential that” or “I demand that.”

   • Correct: It is vital that you be on time.

Subjunctive vs. Indicative Mood

One of the most common points of confusion when discussing the subjunctive mood is how it differs from the indicative mood. While both are used in conditional statements, they serve different purposes and are used in different contexts.

Difference: Hypotheticals vs. Realities

The indicative mood is used for statements that are factual, real, or likely. It is the most commonly used verb form in English and expresses certainty or reality.

In contrast, the subjunctive mood expresses hypothetical, non-real, or uncertain situations. It often reflects wishes, suggestions, demands, or conditions that are unlikely or impossible.

Examples:

• Indicative Mood (Factual Statements):

  • She is studying for the exam.

  • He went to the store yesterday.

• Subjunctive Mood (Hypothetical or Non-Real Situations):

  • If I were in your position, I would handle it differently.

  • I wish she were here right now.

Conditional Sentences: Subjunctive vs. Indicative

Conditional sentences often use both the subjunctive and the indicative moods, depending on the likelihood of the condition being true.

• Subjunctive: Used when the condition is unlikely or impossible. It’s used to express things that are contrary to fact.

  • Example: If I were a bird, I would fly across the sky. (This is a hypothetical and impossible situation.)

• Indicative: Used when the condition is real or likely to occur.

  • Example: If she were at the office, she would answer the phone. (This could happen based on reality.)

Why It’s Important to Differentiate

Understanding the distinction between the subjunctive and indicative moods helps avoid grammatical errors and ensures you communicate ideas clearly. The subjunctive mood often adds a layer of nuance and allows for a more expressive and sophisticated language style, especially in formal writing.

20 Examples of  subjunctive mood in English

Examples of Present Subjunctive

1. I suggest that he be on time for the meeting.

2. It is important that she finish the report by tomorrow.

3. The teacher recommended that the students study harder for the exam.

4. I demand that they leave immediately.

5. It is essential that we arrive early for the conference.

6. I propose that we take a break for lunch.

7. It’s necessary that you be more careful with your words.

8. The doctor insists that he rest for a few days.

9. They asked that we help with the project.

10. She suggested that he read the book before the meeting.

Examples of Past Subjunctive

11. I wish I were there to help you.

12. If I were a bird, I would fly across the ocean.

13. If she were more experienced, she could handle the task better.

14. I wish they had taken my advice earlier.

15. If I were in your shoes, I would take that opportunity.

16. If we were more organized, the event would have gone smoothly.

17. I wish I were able to attend the concert tomorrow night.

18. If he were here, he would solve the issue quickly.

19. If I were rich, I would travel the world.

20. I wish I had known about the meeting earlier.

40 Exercise On Subjunctive Mood in English

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blank (Present Subjunctive)

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb in the present subjunctive:

1. I recommend that she ______ (be) more careful.

2. It’s crucial that they ______ (arrive) on time.

3. The teacher suggested that he ______ (study) harder for the exam.

4. She insists that we ______ (take) the matter seriously.

5. It’s necessary that you ______ (bring) your ID to the meeting.

Exercise 2: Fill in the Blank (Past Subjunctive)

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb in the past subjunctive:

6. I wish I ______ (be) at the party last night.

7. If I ______ (have) known about the test, I would have studied more.

8. If she ______ (be) more organized, she would have finished the project on time.

9. I wish I ______ (live) closer to my family.

10. If I ______ (be) in your position, I would accept the offer.

Exercise 3: Correct the Sentence (Present Subjunctive)

Correct the errors in the following sentences by changing them to the correct subjunctive form:

11. It is important that she be here on time every day.

12. He suggested that I eats more vegetables.

13. The boss insists that we working harder.

14. She requested that he finishes the report by Friday.

15. It’s essential that they comes to the meeting.

Exercise 4: Choose the Correct Form

Choose the correct form of the verb to complete each sentence:

16. I suggest that he ______ (go / goes) to the doctor.

17. It is essential that you ______ (be / is) on time for the presentation.

18. I wish that I ______ (were / was) in Paris right now.

19. The coach recommended that they ______ (practice / practices) every day.

20. If I ______ (were / was) you, I would speak to him.

Exercise 5: Rewrite the Sentences in Subjunctive Mood

Rewrite the following sentences using the subjunctive mood where appropriate:

21. It’s important that she studies for the exam. → It’s important that she ______ (study) for the exam.

22. I hope she has a safe trip. → I wish she ______ (have) a safe trip.

23. He advised that we do not speak loudly in the library. → He advised that we ______ (not speak) loudly in the library.

24. I recommend that they take the day off. → I recommend that they ______ (take) the day off.

25. It is necessary that you get some rest. → It is necessary that you ______ (get) some rest.

Exercise 6: Identify the Subjunctive Mood

Identify whether the verb in the following sentence is in the subjunctive mood or not:

26. If I were you, I would accept the job offer.

27. I wish I had known about this earlier.

28. It is crucial that you finish your homework before going out.

29. The teacher recommended that we read the next chapter.

30. If I was rich, I would donate to charity.

Exercise 7: Fill in the Blank (Using “If” Clauses)

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb in the past subjunctive for conditional sentences:

31. If she ______ (be) here, she would help us.

32. If they ______ (study) more, they would have passed the exam.

33. If I ______ (know) the answer, I would have told you.

34. If I ______ (have) enough time, I would go to the gym.

35. If you ______ (be) in charge, what would you do?

Exercise 8: Match the Sentence to the Right Subjunctive Mood

Match each sentence to the correct type of subjunctive mood (Present or Past):

36. If I were you, I would reconsider the decision.

37. It’s vital that she arrive on time.

38. If I had known about the event, I would have attended.

39. I wish they were here with us.

40. I recommend that he take the day off.

Conculation 

The subjunctive mood in English is a powerful tool for expressing wishes, suggestions, and hypothetical scenarios. By mastering its use, you can communicate more clearly and add depth to your language. Whether you’re talking about unlikely situations, offering advice, or expressing a desire, the subjunctive helps you convey your message more precisely. With a bit of practice and attention to detail, you’ll find it easier to spot when the subjunctive is needed and use it correctly. As you continue to refine your skills, you’ll be able to handle complex sentences with confidence and clarity. Keep practicing, and soon enough, the subjunctive mood will become an integral part of your English vocabulary!