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Uses of the subjunctive

The subjunctive mood appears in only a few contexts:

contrary-to-fact clauses beginning with if
that clauses following verbs such as ask, recommend, etc.
certain familiar expresssions
contrary-to-fact clauses expressing a wish

In contrary-to-fact clauses beginning with if

When a subordinate clause beginning with if expresses a condition contrary to fact, use the subjunctive mood.

Example sentence with editing. Original sentence: If I was a member of Congress, I would vote for that bill. Revised sentence: If I were a member of Congress, I would vote for that bill. Explanation: The word 'was' has been replaced by 'were.'

The verbs in these sentences express conditions that do not exist: The writer is not a member of Congress, and Jake is not trustworthy.

Do not use the subjunctive mood in if clauses expressing conditions that exist or may exist.

Example sentence: If Dana wins the content, she will leave for Spain in June.

In contrary-to-fact clauses expressing a wish

In formal English, the subjunctive is used in clauses expressing a wish or desire; in informal speech, however, the indicative is more commonly used.

Heading: Formal. Example sentence: I wish that Dr. Vaughn were my professor.

Heading: Informal. Example sentence: I wish that Dr. Vaughn was my professor.

In that clauses following verbs such as ask, insist, recommend, request, and suggest

Because requests have not yet become reality, they are expressed in the subjunctive mood.

Example sentence with editing. Original sentence: Professor Moore insists that her students are on time. Revised sentence: Professor Moore insists that her students be on time. Explanation: The word 'are' has been replaced by 'be.'

In certain familiar expressions

The subjunctive mood, once more widely used, remains in certain set expressions: be that as it may, as it were, far be it from me, and so on.

Exercise: Verb tense and mood 1

Exercise: Verb tense and mood 2

Exercise: Verb tense and mood 3