Verb moods

On this page

• General information
• Indicative
• Imperative
• Subjunctive
  • Present-tense subjunctive
  • Past-tense subjunctive
  • Past-perfect subjunctive
  • Idiomatic expressions
• Additional information

General information

While verb tenses are an indicator of time (past, present, future), verb moods reveal the writer’s or speaker’s attitude about what is being said.

There are three verb moods in English: indicative, imperative and subjunctive.

Indicative

The indicative is the most common verb mood in English.

It’s used to state a fact or opinion:

• If you don’t finish your chores, you won’t be allowed to go out.
• If she did well on the exam, she will be promoted.
• I have lots of clothes, but I never know what to wear.

The indicative mood is also used to ask a question:

• Do you have any idea what time it is?
• How do Canadians feel about hockey?

Imperative

The imperative mood is used to give an order or direction or to provide instructions. In such cases, you is understood to be the subject of the sentence.

• Don’t eat all the cookies.
• Remember to take your keys with you.

Note: Words like please can soften the imperative:
Please include your full name on the form.

The imperative is used for exclamations, warnings and pleas:

• Look!
• Watch out!
• Help!

The imperative can also be used to express an invitation:

• Join us as we take a closer look at the subject.
• Come see what we’re all about.

Subjunctive

The subjunctive mood is used for situations or conditions that are imaginary or contrary to fact. These include statements expressing suggestions, requests, obligations, requirements, recommendations, desires or imaginary or hypothetical situations.

Present-tense subjunctive

The present-tense subjunctive is formed by dropping the s from the end of the third-person singular.

The exception is the verb be, for which the present-tense subjunctive is be, regardless of the subject.

The subjunctive is used in “that” clauses after a verb expressing a suggestion or demand, such as: suggest, propose, recommend, advise, ask, command, demand, desire, insist, request, urge.

• I suggest that she walk the dog before heading out.
• She recommended that we consider other possibilities.
• The mayor urged that the crowd be dispersed.

The subjunctive is also used in “that” clauses expressing necessity or urgency. These include: it’s best, it’s crucial, it’s essential, it’s imperative, it’s important, it’s recommended, it’s urgent, it’s vital.

• It’s best that she not go out tonight.
• It’s vital that everyone remain calm.

The subjunctive is also used to express an imaginary, or non-factual, situation, such as one that is not expected to occur. In such cases, it’s usually proceeded by if, or as if:

• If we were to win the lottery, we would all quit our jobs.
• He cooks as if he were feeding an army.

Past-tense subjunctive

The past-tense subjunctive is formed using the simple past tense of the verb. Again, the exception is be, which is expressed by were, regardless of the subject.

Used in the past tense, the subjunctive expresses uncertainty or impossibility with regard to a present or future situation or condition:

• If only we knew the answer.
• I wish he read more.
• I wish I were the boss.

Past-perfect subjunctive

The past-perfect subjunctive uses a verb’s past-perfect form.

It’s used to refer to a situation that didn’t happen:

• They wish they had studied harder.
• If you had arrived earlier, you would have gotten a ticket.
• If I had been informed, this never would have happened.

Idiomatic expressions

The subjunctive is used in certain idiomatic expressions:

• So be it
• Long live the king
• If need be
• Heaven forbid
• Perish the thought

Additional information

• If I was, if I were
• Verbs in conditional sentences
• Hypothetically speaking: The subjunctive

Quizzes

• Verb moods: Indicative, imperative or subjunctive?
• Verb moods: Feeling moody
• Test yourself—Hypothetically speaking: The subjunctive