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The best way to learn the subjunctive mood in English?

Updated: 8/17/2019
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14y ago

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The subjunctive mood is used primarily for contrary-to-fact constructions: If I were you (but I am not)... ; and for urging or ordering: It is important that he see me. In form the past subjunctive of the verbs to have and to be are " had" and "were," respectively, for all persons singular and plural.

Perhaps the very best and briefest essay on the use of the moods in English is from Lewis Carrol: If[since] it was, then it might be. If it were, then it would be. But as it isn't - it ain't!

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Q: The best way to learn the subjunctive mood in English?
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Related questions

How many moods are there in modern English?

Three: the indicative mood, the imperative mood and the subjunctive mood


What are the three kinds of mood in English grammar?

The English moods are indicative, subjunctive, imperative, and conditional


Which sentence is in the subjunctive mood?

The subjunctive mood is for expressing wishes, suggestions, or desires, and is usually indicated by a verb such as wish or suggest, paired then with a subjunctive verb


Is you are Hungry a subjunctive?

Yes, "you are hungry" is not in the subjunctive mood as it states a fact or condition that is real or true. Subjunctive mood is used to express a hypothetical or unreal situation.


Which sentence has a verb that is in the subjunctive mood?

"If I were rich, I would travel the world." In this sentence, "were" is in the subjunctive mood as it expresses a hypothetical situation.


Would If I were an earthworm I wouldn't have to think be an example of subjunctive mood?

Yes, "If I were an earthworm, I wouldn't have to think" is an example of the subjunctive mood. The subjunctive mood is used to express hypothetical or unreal situations. In this sentence, the speaker is imagining being an earthworm and the consequences of not having to think.


Why do we say god bless you?

It is one of many archaic, almost fossilized expressions in which the subjunctive mood survives in spoken English. Another is So be it. The subjunctive is used to express wishes and contrary-to-fact conditions.


What is the subjunctive mood verb of I'd do it if I you?

The subjunctive mood verb for "I'd do it if I were you" is "were." It is used because it expresses a hypothetical situation that is contrary to reality and is not currently true.


What is the meaning of subjunctive?

The subjunctive is a verb mood used to express desires, doubts, hopes, or hypothetical situations. It is often used to convey uncertainty or subjunctive mood express an action that hasn't happened yet.


Why do you say as if I were instead of as if I was?

Using "as if I were" is correct in this case because it follows the subjunctive mood. In English, the subjunctive mood is used to express hypothetical situations, so it is more appropriate to use "were" after "as if" instead of "was."


Is the subjunctive used when 'comunque' 'finché' and 'finché non' are translated from Italian to English as 'as long as' or 'unless'?

No, the subjunctive mood is not used with 'comunque' and 'finché' when translated as 'as long as' or 'unless' in English. Instead, these words typically trigger the indicative mood in English sentences.


What is the mood of the verb in this sentenceIf I were you I would consult a specialist?

The mood of the verb "were" in this sentence is subjunctive. It is used to express a hypothetical or counterfactual situation, indicating that the speaker is not actually you but is imagining a different scenario.