subjunctive mood

(noun)

Expresses situations that are hypothetical or conditional. 

Related Terms

  • cative mood
  • indicative mood
  • imperative mood
  • grammatical mood

Examples of subjunctive mood in the following topics:

  • Verb Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, and Imperative

    • In English, there are many grammatical moods, but by far the most common are the indicative, the imperative, the subjunctive, and the conditional.
    • The subjunctive mood is not commonly used in English.
    • Usually, the subjunctive mood is used in a dependent clause.
    • [Main clause "I wish" is factual and in indicative mood; dependent clause "Paul would eat" is hypothetical and in subjunctive mood.]
    • [Main clause "I suggest" is factual and in indicative mood; dependent clause "we wait until" is hypothetical and in subjunctive mood.]
  • Introduction to Verbs: Tense, Aspect, and Mood

    • All verbs have tense, aspect, and mood, of which there is a wide variety of combinations.
    • Verb mood is to the "attitude" of the verb.
    • Mood can be expressed in any verb tense. 
    • The three main moods used in English are indicative, subjunctive, imperative.
    • The subjunctive mood is for hypothetical situations, emotions, or making requests.
  • The Passive Voice

    • The passive voice occurs in both indicative and subjunctive but uses the same endings in each.
  • Precision

    • Thus, as a writer, choosing specific words over general words can add description to and change the mood of your writing. 
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