Lesson 14: The Subjunctive Mood
564 MCGRAW-HILL’S SAT
What is the “Mood” of a Verb?
Themoodof a verb is its factualityorurgency.There are three moods of verbs in English.
Indicative mood: Most verbs are in the indicative mood, meaning they indicate something real or factual,
as in I am going to the park.
Subjunctive mood:Verbs in the subjunctive moodindicate something hypothetical, conditional, wishful, sug-
gestive, or counter to fact, as in I wishI were goingto the park.
Imperative mood: Verbs in the imperative moodindicate a direct command, as in Goto the park!The only “tricky” mood in English is the subjunctive mood. Questions about the subjunctive mood are
possible on the SAT, but they are not very common. You should recognize the common situations in
which the subjunctive mood must be used, and know how to change the form of the verb accordingly.The subjunctive mood is usually indicated by auxiliarieslikewould, should, might,andmay,or if the verb
isto be,by the forms wereandbe.Hewould feelbetter if only he would eat. (Hypothetical)
IfI werefaster, I could play wide receiver. (Hypothetical)
We thought that shemight winthe election, but she lost by a lot. (Counter to fact)
He plays as though hewerenot even injured. (Counter to fact)
I wish that hewould not actso superior. (Wishful)
I wishI weretwo inches taller. (Wishful)
I truly doubt that shewould ever saysuch a thing. (Doubtful)
I think shemight bein over her head. (Doubtful)
She said that weshould practiceharder. (Suggestion)
He asks that webethere at 6 o’clock sharp. (Indirect command)Don’t Overdo It
The subjunctive mood is slowly disappearing from the English language. Many subjunctive forms from
the past now sound old-fashioned and are no longer “standard” English.Archaic: We must all respect the office of the presidency, no matter whobethe current officeholder.
Better: We must all respect the office of the presidency, no matter whoisthe current officeholder.Archaic: If thatbeso, we may see dramatic changes in the market.
Better: If thatisso, we may see dramatic changes in the market.Watch Your Ifs
One very common mistake is using the construction if... would have.. .as a past subjunctive form. The
correct form is if... had....Wrong:If he would have arrived a minute sooner, he would not have missed her.
Right: If he had arrived a minute sooner, he would not have missed her.