What is Subjunctive Mood? - Complete Guide for Writers

Definition: What is Subjunctive Mood?

Subjunctive mood is a grammatical mood used to express hypothetical situations, wishes, doubts, or conditions that are contrary to fact. Unlike the indicative mood (which states facts) or the imperative mood (which gives commands), the subjunctive mood deals with possibilities, suggestions, and imaginary scenarios.

The subjunctive mood is particularly important in creative writing, especially fantasy and science fiction, where authors frequently explore hypothetical worlds and situations.

Key Characteristics:

• Hypothetical situations: "If I were rich..."
• Wishes and desires: "I wish I were taller"
• Suggestions: "I suggest that he be more careful"
• Doubts: "I doubt that this be true"
• Contrary-to-fact conditions: "If she were here, she would help"

Types of Subjunctive Mood

1. Present Subjunctive

Used for suggestions, demands, and requirements. The verb form is the base form (infinitive without "to").

Examples:

• "I suggest that he be more careful." (not "is")
• "It's important that she arrive on time." (not "arrives")
• "The law requires that everyone pay taxes." (not "pays")

2. Past Subjunctive

Used for hypothetical or contrary-to-fact situations. Uses "were" for all persons with the verb "to be."

Examples:

• "If I were you, I would apologize." (not "was")
• "If she were here, she would know what to do." (not "was")
• "I wish I were a better writer." (not "was")

3. Past Perfect Subjunctive

Used for hypothetical situations in the past.

Examples:

• "If I had known about the party, I would have attended."
• "If she had studied harder, she would have passed the exam."
• "I wish I had been there to help."

Subjunctive vs Indicative Mood

Common Subjunctive Triggers

1. "If" Clauses (Conditional Statements)

Use subjunctive for hypothetical or contrary-to-fact conditions:

✅ Correct:

• "If I were a wizard, I would cast spells."
• "If she were taller, she could reach the shelf."
• "If it were possible, I would travel to Mars."

❌ Incorrect:

• "If I was a wizard, I would cast spells."
• "If she was taller, she could reach the shelf."
• "If it was possible, I would travel to Mars."

2. Wish Statements

Use subjunctive for wishes about current or future situations:

✅ Correct:

• "I wish I were more confident."
• "She wishes she were a better dancer."
• "We wish it were summer."

❌ Incorrect:

• "I wish I was more confident."
• "She wishes she was a better dancer."
• "We wish it was summer."

3. As If / As Though

Use subjunctive for comparisons to hypothetical situations:

✅ Correct:

• "He acts as if he were the boss."
• "She spoke as though she were an expert."
• "It looks as if it were going to rain."

4. Formal Suggestions and Demands

Use present subjunctive after certain verbs:

Triggering verbs:

• Suggest, recommend, propose
• Demand, require, insist
• Request, ask, urge
• Command, order, decree

✅ Correct:

• "I suggest that he be more careful."
• "The teacher demands that students submit their work on time."
• "I recommend that she study harder."

Subjunctive Mood in Creative Writing

Fantasy and Science Fiction

The subjunctive mood is essential in fantasy and sci-fi writing for exploring hypothetical worlds and scenarios:

Examples from fantasy:

• "If magic were real, the world would be different."
• "The wizard spoke as though he were centuries old."
• "I wish I were brave enough to face the dragon."

Examples from science fiction:

• "If time travel were possible, we could prevent the disaster."
• "The alien acted as if it were studying us."
• "I wish I were living in a more advanced civilization."

Literary and Poetic Usage

The subjunctive mood adds elegance and formality to literary writing:

Examples:

• "Would that I were young again." (archaic wish)
• "If love were a language, poetry would be its grammar."
• "She moved as though she were dancing on air."

Dialogue and Character Voice

Different characters might use subjunctive mood differently:

Formal character:

"I suggest that you be more cautious in your approach."

Casual character:

"If I was you, I'd be more careful." (technically incorrect but realistic)

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Using "Was" Instead of "Were"

The most common subjunctive error:

❌ Wrong:

• "If I was rich, I would travel."
• "I wish I was taller."
• "If she was here, she would help."

✅ Correct:

• "If I were rich, I would travel."
• "I wish I were taller."
• "If she were here, she would help."

2. Confusing Real and Hypothetical Conditions

Real condition (indicative):

• "If it is raining, I will stay inside." (checking actual weather)

Hypothetical condition (subjunctive):

• "If it were raining, I would stay inside." (imagining scenario)

3. Overusing Subjunctive

Not every "if" clause requires subjunctive:

✅ Correct usage:

• "If he comes tomorrow, we will meet." (real possibility)
• "If he were coming tomorrow, we would meet." (hypothetical)

Regional and Stylistic Variations

American vs British English

Both varieties use subjunctive similarly, but American English tends to use it more frequently in formal situations.

Formal vs Informal Writing

Formal writing:

• "I recommend that he be promoted."
• "It is essential that she arrive on time."

Informal writing:

• "I think he should be promoted."
• "She needs to arrive on time."

Disappearing Subjunctive

Some subjunctive uses are becoming less common in modern English:

Traditional:

• "Long live the king!"
• "Be that as it may..."
• "Far be it from me..."

Modern alternatives:

• "May the king live long!"
• "Even so..."
• "It's not my place to..."

Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Choose the Correct Form

1. If I (was/were) you, I would apologize.
2. She acts as if she (was/were) the boss.
3. I wish I (was/were) better at math.
4. If it (was/were) possible, I would help.
5. The teacher insists that he (is/be) on time.

Exercise 2: Identify Subjunctive Usage

Identify whether each sentence uses subjunctive mood correctly:

1. "If I was a bird, I would fly away."
2. "I suggest that she studies harder."
3. "If she were here, she would know what to do."
4. "I wish I was more confident."
5. "It's important that he arrive early."

Exercise 3: Rewrite in Subjunctive

Rewrite these sentences using correct subjunctive mood:

1. "If he was taller, he could reach the shelf."
2. "I wish I was a better writer."
3. "If magic was real, the world would be different."
4. "She acts like she was the expert."
5. "I recommend that he takes the job."

AI Tools for Subjunctive Mood Detection

EpicScribe's Subjunctive Mood Analyzer

Modern AI tools can automatically detect and correct subjunctive mood errors in your writing:

Features:

• Identifies incorrect "was" vs "were" usage
• Detects missing subjunctive in formal suggestions
• Analyzes wish constructions
• Provides context-aware corrections

How to Use AI Detection

1. Upload your text to EpicScribe
2. Enable "Subjunctive Mood Analysis"
3. Review flagged instances
4. Apply suggested corrections
5. Verify improvements with re-analysis

Try the free Subjunctive Mood Detector widget

Conclusion

The subjunctive mood is a powerful tool for expressing hypothetical situations, wishes, and formal suggestions in English. While it may seem challenging at first, understanding its patterns and practicing its usage will improve your writing, especially in creative contexts like fantasy and science fiction.

Remember the key rules:

• Use "were" (not "was") for all persons in hypothetical situations
• Use base verb forms for formal suggestions and demands
• Apply subjunctive to contrary-to-fact conditions
• Practice with "if," "wish," and "as if" constructions

With practice and the help of AI tools, you'll master the subjunctive mood and add sophistication to your writing.