The subjunctive mood is a special verb form that expresses situations which are not real or factual. Unlike the indicative mood that states facts about reality, the subjunctive deals with hypothetical situations, wishes, suggestions, demands, and conditions that are contrary to fact. It's a way to talk about possibilities rather than certainties.
The subjunctive mood has three main uses. First, it expresses wishes and desires, like 'I wish I were rich' or 'If only it were true'. Second, it's used for suggestions and demands, such as 'I suggest that he be careful' or 'It's important that she arrive early'. Third, it appears in hypothetical conditions, like 'If I were you, I would go' or 'Were he here, we could start'.
The key difference between subjunctive and indicative moods lies in their relationship to reality. The indicative mood states facts about what is real, actual, and true. For example, 'He is here now' or 'She goes to school'. In contrast, the subjunctive mood expresses what is imagined, desired, or merely possible. Examples include 'If he were here' or 'I suggest she go to school'.
There are several common patterns in the subjunctive mood. First, use 'were' instead of 'was' in hypothetical conditions, like 'If I were rich'. Second, after verbs like wish, suggest, or demand, use the base form of the verb, such as 'I suggest he go'. Third, after expressions like 'it's important' or 'it's necessary', also use the base form, for example 'It's vital that she be here'.
To summarize what we've learned about the subjunctive mood: It's a special verb form that expresses non-factual situations like wishes, suggestions, and hypothetical conditions. Remember the key patterns such as 'If I were', 'I suggest he go', and 'It's important she be'. Unlike the indicative mood which states facts, the subjunctive deals with possibilities and desires, making it essential for expressing contrary-to-fact conditions.