Subjunctive: What's a Mood in English Grammar?

Hi everyone. I'm Jennifer from English with  Jennifer. When we study a new language,  

one challenge is acquiring vocabulary. We want  to learn new words, but we struggle to remember  

old ones. English can seem crazy  at times because a single word  

can have different meanings. Take "sweet," for  example. "Sweet" can refer to a sugary taste,  

like milk chocolate candy. "Sweet" can also  describe someone who is kind. They have a sweet,  

gentle nature. And in American English, "sweet"  can also mean, "Nice! That's good." Or "Wow!  

That's impressive." This is an informal meaning.  It's something we'd use in casual conversation.  

For example, if a friend got a new job, and  it pays well, she has lots of vacation time,  

and the company gives employees free tickets to  professional sports events, my response: "Sweet!"

Now think of the word "mood." We often use  this word to refer to how someone feels.  

We can be in a good mood or a bad mood. If  someone's mood constantly changes, we can call  

them moody or say they have mood swings. Well, in  grammar "mood" refers to the speaker's attitude  

toward what is being said. Not all sources agree  on what the moods are, but generally speaking,  

we can ask what kinds of sentences do we  use? What's the purpose of our communication?

We speak to state facts or truths.  

When we use the indicative mood, we're certain  about what we're saying. I make videos.

We also ask questions. Both our sentence  structure and our intonation can change  

when we use the interrogative mood. What kind  of videos do you make? Are they educational?

We use questions to seek answers and confirmation,  

but we can also use questions to make requests,  as in, "Can you turn the volume down?"  

An alternative is to issue a command. We do that  with the imperative mood. Turn the volume down.

Sometimes we express that one event  is dependent on another. That's when  

we use the conditional mood. If you join me on  Patreon, you'll get more interaction and support.

And then there's the subjunctive  mood. Subjunctive verb forms  

let us express wishes and possibilities.  I wish you were all YouTube members.

The conditional mood can help us express  hypothetical outcomes, and we often use  

the modal verbs "could" and "would." I could play  the piano better if I practiced more. I would play  

better with more practice. So, the second example  doesn't use "if," but it's an implied conditional.  

In my understanding, two moods can be present  together in the same sentence, for example,  

a complex sentence. If I were less busy, I  would play the piano for one or two hours a day.  

So, we see the subjunctive in the first clause,  the "if" clause. I'm expressing a wish. And the  

main clause has the conditional mood; the  outcome is dependent on some condition.  

We may not use the subjunctive  in every conversation,  

but it's important that everyone gain some  familiarity with subjunctive verb forms  

because you will encounter them, so let's  start our lesson on the subjunctive.

You've likely used the subjunctive in  unreal conditionals about the present or  

future. We use the subjunctive  form "were" for all subjects.

If I were you, I'd stop worrying.

If she were here, she'd be laughing.

If he weren't so cautious, he'd take more risks.

You can use my playlist on conditionals to  study these kinds of sentences with "if."

The subjunctive "were" is also used in wishes. I  wish you were here. If only it weren't raining.

When used this way, the past form of  "were" is sometimes called the past  

subjunctive. But the subjunctive isn't used  consistently in American English. It tends  

to be used more in formal English, so you'll hear  people use "was" even in hypothetical situations.  

She talked to us as if she was the only  one who knew the truth, but we all knew.

Here "as if" calls for the subjunctive because  this is counterfactual, but not all speakers  

will follow the pattern. They'll say "as  if she was" rather than "as if she were."

I have an exclusive video on Patreon, by the  way, that goes over the uses of "as if" and  

"as though." It's one of the many perks you  get when you join my membership program.  

Let me ask you something about the kind of person  you are. Do you try to influence others? Do you  

feel that you have some control over what others  do? Do you want to have that kind of influence?  

Well, the subjunctive allows us to talk about our  wishes as they relate to other people's actions.

First, we can use verbs that express some kind  of necessity. Maybe my desire is weak, so I'm  

only making a suggestion. Or maybe my desire for a  certain outcome is strong, so I'm making a demand.

Compare these statements. I suggest that you  review real and unreal conditional sentences.

I insist that you watch my playlist on  conditionals if you have any lingering doubts.

"Suggest" and "insist" are the kinds of verbs that  express a desire to push others towards action.

The subjunctive follows in a  noun clause, a "that" clause.

Look at the verb form in the noun clause.  

The so-called present subjunctive  is the base form of the verb.

In these structures, we use the base verb  for all subjects. I suggest that you review,  

that he review, that we review. I insist that  you watch, that she watch, that they watch.

The verbs in the main clause can change forms to  reflect a past, present, or future time period,  

but the subjunctive remains in the "that" clause.

I suggested that she review. I'm  suggesting that everyone review.

I insisted that he continue.  I'll insist that he continue.

Can you correct the mistakes in these sentences?

They recommended that we take a break. He's  demanding that everyone call him "sir."  

i'd like to propose that we hire outside help.

Note with some verbs, we have a choice  how to structure our sentence. "Suggest"  

and "recommend" can use the subjunctive in a  "that" clause or a gerund as the direct object.

I suggest that you visit my website.  I suggest visiting my website.

I recommend that you try my  member-only tasks on YouTube.  

I recommend trying my  member-only tasks on YouTube.

A few verbs like "ask," "require,"  and "order" can use the subjunctive  

or an infinitive after an object.

I ask that you be patient.  I'm asking you to be patient.

The company requires that  proof of vaccination be shown.  

The company requires proof  of vaccination to be shown.

That last sentence pair uses the passive voice.  

The subjunctive has a passive  form: be + the past participle.

How would you make this sentence passive?

We insist that respect be shown to co-workers.

The subjunctive can also have a  negative form: not + the base verb.

It's essential that you  not lose faith in yourself.

Ah, what did I use? The subjunctive is still in  a "that" clause, but this noun clause follows  

an adjective. It's essential that...  The pattern holds for similar adjectives  

that express a wish for someone to behave  a certain way, to do a certain action.

It is essential that, it is important that,  it is crucial that, it is desirable that...

These kinds of sentences sound formal.  It is important that we remain strong.  

In more relaxed conversation, we'll  find alternatives with infinitives.  

It's important to remain strong. It's  important for everyone to remain strong.

Can you make these sentences less formal?

One. It's necessary to find a balance between  serving others and taking care of ourselves. Two.  

It's desirable to have enough material possessions  without accumulating more than we need.

Three. It's crucial to gain enough  sleep and consume enough calories.  

Otherwise, your body won't function as it should.

Here's a final challenge. Can you give at least  one piece of advice that leads to happiness or  

success? Use the subjunctive two different  ways. Here are my examples. It is essential  

that you pursue something with passion. I strongly  recommend that you pursue something with passion.

It's important that your  life be filled with meaning.  

I suggest that you fill your life with meaning.

All right. We'll end here. Please like and  share the video if you found the lesson useful.  

As always, thanks for watching and happy studies!

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