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The subjunctive form is used when we talk about our hopes and dreams. In this lesson, we'll look at the subjunctive form, when we use it, and some examples.

Hopes, Dreams, and Wishes

Wouldn't it be nice to have a genie grant you three wishes? We would know for sure that the genie would make our dreams come true. But since genie's aren't real, when we want something we have to ask. We don't know for sure that someone will make our wishes come true or not. In this case, we use the subjunctive form.

In this lesson, we'll look at the subjunctive form and two different ways we can use it to ask someone to do something.

What Is the subjunctive?

We use the subjunctive form when the end result is uncertain. We use the subjunctive form:

  • To suggest, advise, or request something
  • To make a recommendation
  • To desire, wish, or hope with an unknown outcome
  • To command

The subjunctive form is the base tense of the verb. It is in the infinitive form but without, ''to''. Instead of, ''to play,'' we use ''play''.

We use it when the subject of the sentence changes.

I hope that you come to our party.

''Come'' is in the subjunctive tense. It is in the base form of the verb. It describes a hope that something will happen, without knowing if it would or not. Notice how the subject changes from ''I'' to ''you''. The outcome is unknown, because the person may or may not get to come to the party.

He advises you to finish the assignment on time.

''Finish'' is in the subjunctive tense, since the subject changes from ''he'' to ''you''. It describes a request with an unknown outcome. The person may or may not finish the assignment on time.

The subjunctive could be used in the negative form as well:

I recommend that you not text in class.

If there is any room for doubt that an event will occur or that a person will do what you expect or think, we use the subjunctive verb.

Subjunctive Mood

We also use subjunctive for unrealistic, fantasy situations. We call this the subjunctive mood. The verb is preceded by the helping verb, ''to be,'' most often in the form of ''were.''

If I could teleport, I would visit Europe.

Since teleporting is an impossibility, we use the subjunctive tense, ''I would.''

I wish I were better at sports.

Since we can't change the circumstances, it is an impossibility or wishful thinking. It's like saying, ''I wish I were better, but I'm not.''

It also works the same in the negative form.

He wished he wasn't so sloppy.

In this sentence, the verb, ''wasn't'' is a form of ''to be.'' Since it is wishful thinking that cannot be changed, we use the subjunctive mood.

  Zeynep Ogkal

  Friday, 27 Dec 2019       569 Views

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