The mood of a verb indicates the writer’s attitude toward what he or she is saying. The indicative mood states facts or opinions and asks questions: I did the right thing. The imperative mood gives commands and instructions: Do the right thing. The subjunctive mood (used primarily in dependent clauses beginning with that or if) expresses wishes and conditions that are contrary to fact: If I were doing the right thing, I’d know it.

The present subjunctive uses the base form of the verb with all subjects.

It is important that children be psychologically ready for a new sibling.

The past subjunctive is the same as the simple past except for the verb be, which uses were for all subjects.

He spent money as if he had infinite credit.

If the store were better located, it would attract more customers.

Because the subjunctive creates a rather formal tone, many people today substitute the indicative mood in informal conversation.

informal

If the store was better located, it would attract more customers.

For academic or professional writing, use the subjunctive in the following contexts:

clauses expressing a wish

that clauses expressing a request or demand

if clauses expressing a condition that does not exist

One common error is to use would in both clauses. Use the subjunctive in the if clause and would in the other clause.