Verb mood shows the speaker's attitude. The indicative states facts or asks questions: “The bus leaves at six.” The imperative gives commands: “Turn left at the bridge.”
The subjunctive expresses wishes, demands or unreal situations: “If I were taller, I could reach it.” “The teacher insisted that he be on time.” It is formal and uses were for all persons in unreal conditions.
Modal verbs also express attitude: possibility (might), deduction (must have, can't have), regret (should have) and obligation (must).
Worked example
Choose: “If I ___ you, I would apologise.” (was / were)
- This is an unreal situation: I am not you.
- Formal English uses the subjunctive were.
Answer:If I were you, I would apologise.
Key words
- indicative
- the mood for facts and questions
- imperative
- the mood for commands
- subjunctive
- the mood for wishes and unreal situations
Practise this
New questions every time.
Common Core-referenced: L.8.1c, L.8.1d