Verb Mood
Verbs may be in one of three moods: indicative, imperative, or subjunctive. The indicative mood is used to make factual statements. The imperative mood makes a request or a command. The subjunctive mood can express a doubt or a wish using clauses beginning with “if” or “that”; it can also express a request, demand, or proposal in a clause beginning with “that.”
:: Indicative Mood
: Present indicative: Jerry Seinfeld laughs on television.
: Past indicative: Jerry laughed on television.
: Future indicative: Jerry will laugh on television tomorrow.
:: Imperative Mood
Notice how much sharper the picture appears.
Call her tomorrow.
Take a seat!
:: Subjunctive Mood
He talks about grammar as if he were an expert. (Expresses doubt or an idea contrary to fact.)
I wish that I were a fast runner. (Expresses a wish.)
: Present Subjunctive
The professor requests that the paper be turned in on time. (Expresses a request.)
The rules require that each contestant submit an entry form. (Expresses a demand.)
I suggest that the heat be reduced. (Illustrates a proposal.): Auxiliary Verbs
Auxiliary verbs “could,” “would,” and “should” might also express the subjunctive mood, especially when one expresses a condition contrary to fact.Examples:
| Past subjunctive |
Condition contrary to fact |
| If the forecaster were correct, I would be prepared. | If the forecaster could be correct, I would be prepared. |
| If the company were to fly her, she would interview. | If the company would fly her, she would interview. |
| If Joe were to marry Ann, he would be happy. | If Joe should marry Ann, he would be happy. |
Verbs that are often followed by “that” clauses with subjunctive verbs: announce, ask, as if, as though, demand, determine, indicate, insist, move, order, prefer, propose, recommend, request, require, and suggest.
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