The subjunctive mood is a special verb form in English used to express situations that are not necessarily real or factual. Unlike the indicative mood which states facts, or the imperative mood which gives commands, the subjunctive expresses hypothetical situations, wishes, demands, and conditions that are contrary to fact. For example, we say 'If I were you' instead of 'If I was you' when expressing a hypothetical condition.
The subjunctive mood has several common forms. First, we use the base form of the verb after certain verbs like suggest, demand, or recommend. For example, 'I suggest that he be here' uses 'be' instead of 'is'. Second, we use 'were' for all persons in hypothetical conditions, saying 'If I were you' instead of 'If I was you'. Third, in wish expressions, we often use past forms to express present unreality, like 'I wish I were taller'.
The subjunctive mood appears in specific contexts. First, in hypothetical 'if' clauses that express situations contrary to fact, like 'If I were a bird, I would fly.' Second, after certain verbs that express demands, suggestions, or requirements, such as suggest, demand, recommend, insist, require, and propose. Third, in wish expressions where we desire something that is not currently true. Finally, in certain fixed phrases that have been preserved in English, like 'be that as it may' or 'God save the Queen.'
Let's look at common mistakes with the subjunctive mood. First mistake: using the wrong verb form after suggestion verbs. We should say 'I suggest that he be here' not 'I suggest that he is here.' Second mistake: using 'was' instead of 'were' in hypothetical conditions. The correct form is 'If I were you' not 'If I was you.' Third mistake: using present tense in wish expressions. We should say 'I wish I were taller' not 'I wish I am taller.' Remember this tip: if the situation is unreal or hypothetical, use the subjunctive mood.
To summarize what we have learned about the subjunctive mood: It is a special verb form used to express hypothetical, unreal, or contrary-to-fact situations. Use the base form of verbs after suggestion verbs like suggest or demand. Always use 'were' for all persons in hypothetical conditions. The subjunctive appears commonly in wishes, demands, and certain fixed phrases. The key is to remember that when the situation is not real or factual, we use the subjunctive mood.