The Subjunctive Mood in English

The subjunctive mood is one of the most sophisticated aspects of English grammar. While less common in modern English than in many other languages, it remains an important feature of formal and academic writing, as well as educated speech. The subjunctive expresses wishes, hypothetical situations, demands, suggestions, and conditions contrary to fact.

Though the subjunctive has largely disappeared from everyday English, understanding its forms and uses is essential for advanced English learners who want to master formal writing and comprehend literary texts. It also helps in understanding fixed expressions that remain common in modern English.

1. What is the Subjunctive Mood?

English has three main moods:

  • Indicative Mood: States facts and asks questions (most common)
  • Imperative Mood: Gives commands
  • Subjunctive Mood: Expresses hypothetical situations, wishes, demands, or suggestions

The subjunctive mood doesn't describe what is, but rather what should be, might be, or what someone wishes were true.

Key Point: In modern English, the subjunctive is often replaced by the indicative mood or modal verbs (should, would, could). However, it remains mandatory in certain formal contexts and fixed expressions.

2. Forms of the Subjunctive

The subjunctive has two main forms in English: the present subjunctive and the past subjunctive.

Present Subjunctive

The present subjunctive uses the base form of the verb for all subjects. This means:

  • No -s is added for third person singular (he/she/it)
  • The verb "be" is always "be" (not am, is, or are)
Subject Indicative (Normal) Present Subjunctive
I I am / I work I be / I work
You You are / You work You be / You work
He/She/It He is / She works He be / She work
We We are / We work We be / We work
They They are / They work They be / They work

Examples:

  • I suggest that he study harder. (NOT: studies)
  • It's important that she be on time. (NOT: is)
  • They demanded that the company pay compensation. (NOT: pays)

Past Subjunctive

The past subjunctive is mainly used with the verb "be", which becomes "were" for all subjects:

Subject Indicative Past Past Subjunctive
I I was I were
You You were You were
He/She/It He/She/It was He/She/It were
We We were We were
They They were They were

Examples:

  • If I were rich, I would travel the world. (NOT: was)
  • She wishes she were taller. (NOT: was)
  • He acts as if he were the boss. (NOT: was)

3. Main Uses of the Present Subjunctive

1. After Verbs of Suggestion, Demand, or Requirement

The present subjunctive is used in "that" clauses after certain verbs expressing suggestions, demands, requirements, or recommendations:

Common Verbs that Trigger Subjunctive:

  • Suggest/Recommend: suggest, recommend, propose, advise
  • Demand/Require: demand, require, insist, request, ask
  • Order/Command: order, command, decree, mandate

Structure: Subject + verb + that + subject + base verb

Examples:

  • The doctor recommended that she take the medicine daily.
  • I suggest that he arrive early.
  • They insisted that the meeting be postponed.
  • The judge ordered that the defendant pay a fine.

2. After Adjectives of Importance or Urgency

The subjunctive follows "that" clauses after adjectives expressing importance, necessity, or urgency:

Common Adjectives: important, essential, vital, necessary, crucial, imperative, desirable, advisable

Structure: It is + adjective + that + subject + base verb

Examples:

  • It's essential that everyone be present.
  • It's important that she understand the rules.
  • It's crucial that the team work together.
  • It's necessary that he submit the report today.

3. In Fixed Expressions

Many fixed expressions in English preserve the subjunctive:

  • God bless you! (after someone sneezes)
  • God save the Queen!
  • Long live the King!
  • Heaven forbid!
  • So be it!
  • Come what may
  • Be that as it may
  • Far be it from me to criticize

4. Main Uses of the Past Subjunctive

1. Hypothetical Conditions (Second Conditional)

The past subjunctive is used in "if" clauses to express unreal or hypothetical conditions in the present:

Structure: If + subject + were/past subjunctive + ..., subject + would/could/might + base verb

Examples:

  • If I were you, I would accept the offer.
  • If she were here, she could help us.
  • If it were possible, I would do it.
  • If he had more time, he would finish the project. (regular past form used)

2. Wishes about the Present

Use the past subjunctive to express wishes about present situations that are contrary to reality:

Structure: Subject + wish + (that) + subject + past subjunctive

Examples:

  • I wish I were taller.
  • She wishes she had a car.
  • They wish it were Friday.
  • He wishes he could speak French.

3. As if / As though

The past subjunctive is used after "as if" or "as though" to describe unreal comparisons:

Examples:

  • He acts as if he were the owner.
  • She talks as though she knew everything.
  • They behave as if they were children.
  • It looks as though it were going to rain.

4. If only...

"If only" expresses strong wishes or regrets:

  • If only I were younger!
  • If only she knew the truth!
  • If only we had more money!

5. Subjunctive vs. Indicative: Key Differences

Context Indicative (Normal) Subjunctive
After "suggest" ❌ I suggest that he goes home. ✅ I suggest that he go home.
After "It's important" ❌ It's important that she is here. ✅ It's important that she be here.
Hypothetical "if" ❌ If I was rich... ✅ If I were rich...
Wishes ❌ I wish I was there. ✅ I wish I were there.
After "demand" ❌ They demand that he pays. ✅ They demand that he pay.

Note: In informal spoken English, many native speakers use the indicative instead of the subjunctive. However, in formal writing and educated speech, the subjunctive is preferred.

6. Alternatives to the Subjunctive

In modern English, especially in informal contexts, the subjunctive is often replaced by other constructions:

1. Using "should" (British English preference)

  • Subjunctive: I suggest that he go home.
  • Alternative: I suggest that he should go home.

2. Using the indicative mood (informal)

  • Subjunctive: It's important that she be there.
  • Alternative: It's important that she is there. (informal)

3. Using infinitive constructions

  • Subjunctive: I demanded that he leave.
  • Alternative: I demanded for him to leave.

4. Using "was" instead of "were" (very informal)

  • Subjunctive: If I were you...
  • Alternative: If I was you... (informal, not recommended in writing)

7. Common Mistakes with the Subjunctive

Incorrect Correct Explanation
I suggest that she goes early. I suggest that she go early. No -s after third person with subjunctive
It's vital that he is present. It's vital that he be present. Use "be" not "is" in subjunctive
If I was a bird, I would fly. If I were a bird, I would fly. Use "were" for hypothetical conditions
She wishes she is taller. She wishes she were taller. Past subjunctive after "wish"
They insisted that the rule is changed. They insisted that the rule be changed. Base form after verbs of demand
I recommend that he will study. I recommend that he study. No modal verbs in subjunctive clauses

8. Subjunctive in Different Contexts

Formal/Legal Language

The subjunctive is mandatory in legal and very formal documents:

  • The court orders that the defendant pay damages.
  • The contract stipulates that the buyer provide proof of funds.
  • It is resolved that this matter be closed.

Academic Writing

Common in academic papers and formal essays:

  • It is recommended that further research be conducted.
  • The author suggests that readers consider alternative views.
  • It is essential that students submit their work on time.

Business Communication

Often used in formal business contexts:

  • We request that payment be made within 30 days.
  • I propose that the meeting be rescheduled.
  • It is imperative that all employees attend the training.

Practice Test 1 - Present Subjunctive

Choose the correct form of the verb for each sentence.

1. The doctor recommended that she ______ more water.

2. It's important that he ______ on time.

3. I suggest that everyone ______ their homework.

4. They demanded that the company ______ compensation.

5. It is essential that she ______ the instructions carefully.

Practice Test 2 - Past Subjunctive

Choose the correct form for each sentence.

1. If I ______ you, I would accept the job.

2. She wishes she ______ speak French.

3. He acts as if he ______ the boss.

4. If only I ______ more time!

5. I wish it ______ sunny today.

Fill in the Blanks - Mixed Subjunctive

Type the correct form of the verb in parentheses.

Identify Correct Sentences

Choose the grammatically correct sentence.

1. Which sentence is correct?

2. Which sentence is correct?

3. Which sentence is correct?

4. Which sentence is correct?

5. Which sentence is correct?

Fixed Expressions with Subjunctive

Complete each fixed expression with the correct form.

1. God ______ you! (when someone sneezes)

2. Long ______ the Queen!

3. So ______ it!

4. Heaven ______!

5. Come what ______.