The Subjunctive in English Grammar

The subjunctive in English grammar is often used to express wishes, suggestions, or hypothetical situations. Although not as commonly used as in other languages, the subjunctive can add depth to your sentences by indicating situations that aren’t necessarily real but are possible, hoped for, or imagined.

What is the Subjunctive Mood?

The subjunctive is a mood rather than a tense, meaning it reflects the speaker’s attitude rather than specific times or actions. In English, the subjunctive is mainly used to express:

Wishes: Things that aren’t true but are hoped for (e.g., "I wish it were sunny").
Hypothetical situations: Imaginary or unreal situations (e.g., "If I were you...").
Suggestions and requests: Asking or advising someone to do something (e.g., "I suggest that he study more").

How to Recognize the Subjunctive in English

The subjunctive in English is subtle, often appearing in the form of the verb "to be" or as a specific structure in certain sentences. Here are some ways to recognize and use the subjunctive:

1. Using “Were” in the Subjunctive

One of the most common uses of the subjunctive is with the verb "were" instead of "was" in hypothetical situations or wishes. For example:

Hypothetical Situation: "If I were the president, I would make changes."
Wish: "I wish he were here with us."

Notice that in these examples, “were” is used instead of “was” to reflect that the situation isn’t real but imagined or desired.

2. Subjunctive in Suggestions and Requests

Another common use of the subjunctive is in sentences that include suggestions, demands, or requests. This form is usually found in clauses starting with "that" after verbs like "suggest," "recommend," "ask," or "demand."

Examples include:

"The teacher suggests that he study more."
"I recommend that she apply for the job."
"They asked that he leave early."

In these examples, the subjunctive verb form (without the usual -s in the third person) follows "that." This special form helps signal that the action is something requested or suggested rather than factual.

Common Expressions That Use the Subjunctive

There are several common phrases and expressions that are traditionally used in the subjunctive. Here are some of the most frequently used ones:

"If I were you": This phrase gives advice from the perspective of someone else. For example, "If I were you, I’d save more money."
"I wish": Used to express desires or wishes. For instance, "I wish it were summer all year long."
"As if" or "As though": Used in imaginative comparisons. Example: "She acts as if she were the boss."

Subjunctive Forms for Common Verbs

Here is a quick list of some verbs often used in the subjunctive:

to be: "If I were," "If he were" (hypotheticals)
to suggest: "I suggest that he be on time."
to recommend: "They recommend that she try harder."
to demand: "She demands that the work be done."
to wish: "I wish it were easier to learn grammar."

Subjunctive Examples in Different Sentences

1. Expressing Wishes

When you want to talk about something you wish were true, even though it isn’t, you use the subjunctive. Some examples include:

"I wish I were at the beach instead of at work."
"He wishes it weren’t raining today."

In these sentences, “were” is used even though it doesn’t fit with the subject in a regular present tense.

2. Talking About Hypotheticals

The subjunctive is also helpful when discussing situations that are imagined or not real. For example:

"If she were here, she’d help us solve this problem."
"If I were you, I’d take the offer."

In both examples, “were” indicates a situation that isn’t actually happening but is imagined.

3. Making Suggestions or Giving Advice

When giving advice, English often uses the subjunctive after certain verbs to sound more formal or polite. Examples include:

"I recommend that he take a break."
"She suggests that we start early."

Note that in these sentences, the verb in the subjunctive mood stays in its base form (e.g., "take" instead of "takes").

Why the Subjunctive Can Be Confusing

Because the subjunctive mood is not very common in modern English and often sounds similar to regular present tense, it can be confusing to learn. However, using the subjunctive adds precision and clarity to your communication. Practicing with examples and paying attention to situations involving wishes, hypotheticals, and polite requests will help you become comfortable with it.

Practice Exercises to Master the Subjunctive

Here are some practice exercises to help you get used to the subjunctive:

Rewrite the sentence using the subjunctive: "If he was here, he would agree." (Answer: "If he were here, he would agree.")
Change to the subjunctive: "She suggests he tries harder." (Answer: "She suggests he try harder.")
Complete with the correct subjunctive form: "I wish it ____ (be) summer all year." (Answer: "I wish it were summer all year.")

Key Takeaways on the Subjunctive in English

The subjunctive mood is used for wishes, hypotheticals, and polite suggestions.
Common verbs like "suggest," "recommend," and "wish" often signal the subjunctive mood.
The subjunctive often changes “was” to “were” for all subjects in certain sentences.

Conclusion

Understanding the subjunctive in English grammar adds depth to your sentences and helps convey ideas that are imaginary, wished for, or advised. With practice, using the subjunctive can feel natural, enhancing both spoken and written English. Remember to use it in sentences where you are expressing wishes, hypotheticals, or advice.