Subjunctive Forms
Advanced Usage and Applications
Introduction to the Subjunctive
The subjunctive mood is used to express wishes, hypothetical situations, demands, suggestions, and statements contrary to fact. While it has largely disappeared from everyday English, it remains important in formal writing and certain fixed expressions.
Key Uses of the Subjunctive
1. Wishes and Hypothetical Situations
The subjunctive is used after “wish” to express desires that are contrary to reality or unlikely to happen.
Past contrary to fact: I wish I had studied harder in school.
Future unlikely: I wish he would stop interrupting me.
2. Demands, Suggestions, and Requirements
After verbs like “demand,” “suggest,” “recommend,” “insist,” “request,” and “require,” we use the base form of the verb (present subjunctive).
The doctor recommends that she take the medication daily.
It is essential that every student submit their work on time.
3. Formal Expressions with “If I were”
In formal English, we use “were” (not “was”) for all persons in hypothetical conditional statements.
If she were here, she would know what to do.
He acts as if he were the boss.
4. That-Clauses Expressing Necessity or Importance
After adjectives expressing importance, necessity, or urgency, the subjunctive form is used.
It is important that she arrive on time.
It is imperative that we find a solution quickly.
5. Fixed Expressions
Certain traditional phrases preserve the subjunctive form.
God save the Queen.
Be that as it may…
Come what may…
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Incorrect: I wish I was there yesterday.
Correct: I wish I had been there yesterday.
Incorrect: She insisted that he comes immediately.
Correct: She insisted that he come immediately.
Incorrect: If I was rich, I would travel the world.
Correct: If I were rich, I would travel the world.
Test Your Understanding
Complete the quiz below to check your understanding of subjunctive forms. You can check each answer individually before submitting the entire quiz.
