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Subjunctive mood
/sˈʌbdʒəŋktˌɪv mˈuːd/
/sˈʌbdʒəŋktˌɪv mˈuːd/Subjunctive mood
01
(grammar) a mood in verbs that expresses wishes, possibility or uncertainty
What is the "subjunctive mood"?
The subjunctive mood is a grammatical form used to express wishes, hypotheticals, demands, or suggestions that are not based on reality. It often conveys situations that are uncertain or contrary to fact. In English, the subjunctive mood is typically formed using the base form of the verb, regardless of the subject. For example, in the sentence "I wish he were here," the verb "were" is in the subjunctive mood, expressing a wish about a situation that is not true. The subjunctive mood is essential for conveying feelings, desires, or conditions that are speculative, allowing for nuanced expression in language.
subjunctive mood
n
Example
The subjunctive mood often appears in clauses introduced by certain conjunctions, such as 'if,' 'whether,' 'lest,' or 'that.
In English, the subjunctive mood is less common than in other languages but can still be found in expressions like 'God save the Queen' or 'Long live the king.
Understanding when to use the subjunctive mood in language is important for conveying nuances of meaning and expressing certain attitudes or beliefs.
In grammar, the subjunctive mood is used to express hypothetical situations, wishes, or possibilities, such as 'If I were rich, I would travel the world.
