Writing Tips

Subjunctive Mood

A verb's moods indicate whether it is being used to express a fact, command, or wish.

Verbs in the indicative mood express facts.

• You are not here.

Verbs in the imperative mood express commands.

• Come here!

The subjunctive mood is the verb form used to express a wish.

• I wish that you were here.

Frequently, the subjunctive mood is not correctly applied.

• Incorrect: I wish that I was there.
• Correct: I wish that I were there.

The subjunctive mood is also used to express a hypothetical condition.

• If I were you, I would apply for that scholarship.

When stating a noncommittal condition, the present indicative is used. When the condition is presumed to be untrue, the subjunctive mood is used.

• Noncommittal: If Greg is here, I will ask him myself. (Greg might be here, or he might not be here.)
• Presumed untrue: If Greg were here, I would ask him myself. (Greg is not here, and I cannot ask him myself.)