You may have heard whispers of the subjunctive—that mysterious part of English grammar that doesn’t quite behave like the others. The subjunctive mood is like the dreamer of the grammar family. It’s used to express wishes, hypothetical situations, suggestions, and doubts—basically, anything that isn’t real (yet!).
In this guide, we’re going to demystify the subjunctive. Don’t worry, it’s not as tricky as it sounds! By the end, you’ll know how to use it when you’re talking about what could happen, what should happen, or what you wish would happen.
Let’s dive into the world of what-ifs and I wish-es!
1. What Is the Subjunctive Mood?
In English, most of our sentences are in the indicative mood, which is used for statements of fact or things that are actually happening. But when we want to talk about things that are not real—like wishes, suggestions, or imaginary situations—we use the subjunctive mood.
When Do We Use the Subjunctive?
- Wishes: Talking about things we wish were true.
- Example: I wish I were taller.
- Hypothetical situations: Talking about things that could happen, but haven’t yet.
- Example: If I were you, I’d take the job.
- Suggestions/Recommendations: Making strong suggestions or giving advice.
- Example: The teacher suggested that he study harder.
- Necessity or urgency: Expressing something that is essential or important.
- Example: It is important that she be on time.
2. Forming the Subjunctive: The Basics
The subjunctive is pretty easy to recognize once you know what to look for! The main thing to remember is that it often involves dropping the usual verb forms you’d expect and using the bare form of the verb instead.
Subjunctive with “To Be”
The verb “to be” acts a little differently in the subjunctive. In the present subjunctive, be is used for all subjects (I, you, he, she, it, we, they).
- Examples:
- It’s essential that everyone be here by 9 AM.
- The coach suggested that he be more focused during practice.
In the past subjunctive, were is used for all subjects, even with I and he/she/it.
- Examples:
- I wish I were a millionaire.
- If he were more patient, he’d be a great teacher.
Subjunctive with Other Verbs
For other verbs, the subjunctive is easy! You just use the bare infinitive (the verb without “to”) for all subjects.
- Examples:
- She demanded that they leave immediately.
- It’s important that he finish his work on time.
Practical Tip:
Whenever you’re in subjunctive land, think of the verb in its basic form. No need to worry about adding -s or -ed endings.
3. Common Uses of the Subjunctive
Let’s break down some of the most common scenarios where you’ll need the subjunctive. These situations usually involve something that isn’t true, hasn’t happened yet, or is being strongly recommended.
a) Wishes and Hypothetical Situations
When you’re wishing for something or imagining a different reality, the subjunctive is your go-to mood.
- Examples:
- I wish it were Friday already!
- If I were rich, I’d travel the world.
Practical Tip:
When talking about hypothetical situations, always use were, even if you’re talking about I, he, or she.
b) Suggestions and Recommendations
When giving strong advice or making suggestions, especially after certain verbs (like suggest, recommend, demand, or insist), you’ll need the subjunctive.
- Examples:
- I suggest that she take a break.
- The manager insisted that the team arrive early.
Practical Tip:
For suggestions, just use the bare infinitive (the verb without any changes) for all subjects. No need to worry about adding -s or -es!
c) Expressing Importance or Necessity
You’ll often hear the subjunctive in sentences expressing urgency or necessity, especially with phrases like it’s important that or it’s essential that.
- Examples:
- It is crucial that he be there on time.
- It’s important that she prepare for the exam.
4. Common Mistakes with the Subjunctive
Even though the subjunctive isn’t that hard to form, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for.
Mistake #1: Using “Was” Instead of “Were”
- Incorrect: I wish I was taller.
- Correct: I wish I were taller.
Tip: When you’re wishing for something, always use were for all subjects!
Mistake #2: Forgetting the Bare Form of the Verb
- Incorrect: I suggest that he goes to bed early.
- Correct: I suggest that he go to bed early.
Tip: After verbs like suggest, recommend, or insist, always use the bare infinitive (no -s or -ed endings).
Mistake #3: Confusing Subjunctive with Indicative
- Incorrect: It is essential that she is on time.
- Correct: It is essential that she be on time.
Tip: When using phrases like it’s important that or it’s essential that, make sure to use the subjunctive form (be) instead of the usual indicative (is).
5. Quick Recap Table: Subjunctive at a Glance
| When to Use | Subjunctive Form | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Wishes | Use were for all subjects in the past | I wish I were taller. |
| Hypothetical situations | Use were for all subjects | If he were here, we’d start the meeting. |
| Suggestions/Recommendations | Use the bare infinitive for all subjects | I suggest that he study more. |
| Necessity/Urgency | Use be for “to be,” bare infinitive for others | It’s essential that she be on time. |
6. Conclusion: Subjunctive, Mastered!
Congratulations—you’ve now unlocked the mysteries of the subjunctive mood! While the subjunctive may feel a bit dreamy or hypothetical, it’s actually quite simple once you know the rules. Whether you’re making a wish, giving advice, or talking about imaginary situations, you now know how to use the subjunctive with confidence.
Remember:
- Use were for wishes and hypothetical situations (no matter the subject!).
- Use the bare infinitive (without endings) after verbs like suggest, recommend, and insist.
- Use be in sentences expressing importance or necessity.
Keep practicing, and soon the subjunctive will feel as easy as wishing on a star!