What is the Subjunctive Mood? Explained in English

The subjunctive mood expresses wishes, suggestions, demands, or hypothetical situations—things that aren't real or certain.

Why It Matters

In most English, we use regular verb forms. But in certain formal situations, the subjunctive uses a special form:

Regular: He is late.
Subjunctive: I suggest that he be on time. (not "is")

Regular: She goes to school.
Subjunctive: I demand that she go immediately. (not "goes")

Notice: No -s on the verb, even with he/she/it.

When to Use It

1. After verbs of suggestion, demand, or request:

suggest, recommend, propose
demand, insist, require
request, ask

Pattern: I suggest/demand that + subject + base verb

Examples:

I suggest that he be here at 9.
She demands that they arrive on time.
We recommend that she study more.

2. After "It is + adjective" (importance/necessity):

It is important/necessary/essential/vital/crucial

Pattern: It is important that + subject + base verb

Examples:

It is important that he be present.
It is essential that she finish today.
It is necessary that we leave now.

3. Wishes and hypotheticals with "were":

Use "were" for all subjects (not "was"):

I wish I were rich. (not "was")
If I were you, I would study more.
She acts as if she were the boss.

Subjunctive with "That"

The word "that" is often optional but makes the subjunctive clearer:

I suggest (that) he be here.
It's important (that) she go.

In formal writing, keep "that." In casual speech, it's often dropped.

Subjunctive vs. Regular Mood

With "should" (more common in British English):

I suggest that he should be on time.

Without "should" (subjunctive, common in American English):

I suggest that he be on time.

Both are correct. American English prefers the bare subjunctive (without "should").

Want to see grammar patterns in real sentences? FreeTalk Dictionary shows examples while you read online.

Examples by Level

B1: I suggest that he study harder.
B1: It is important that she be on time.
B2: The doctor recommended that I take the medication daily.
B2: If I were in your position, I would accept the offer.
C1: It is essential that the meeting be postponed until all members arrive.

Common Uses

Formal requests:

I ask that you be quiet.
We request that he submit the report.

Wishes:

I wish I were taller.
If only it were true.

Hypotheticals:

If I were you, I'd leave.
Suppose he were here now.

Common Mistakes

❌ I suggest that he is here at 9.
✅ I suggest that he be here at 9.

❌ It's important that she goes today.
✅ It's important that she go today.

❌ I wish I was rich.
✅ I wish I were rich. (formal) or I wish I was rich. (casual, increasingly accepted)

When You Don't Need It

Casual speech: Most English speakers don't use subjunctive in everyday conversation:

Casual: I think he should be here.
Formal: I suggest that he be here.

Questions and past tense: Subjunctive is mainly for statements about present/future in formal contexts.

FAQs

Q: Do I really need to use this?
A: In casual speech, no. Use "should" or regular forms. In formal writing (business, academic), yes, use subjunctive.

Q: British vs. American English?
A: British English often uses "should": "I suggest he should go." American English uses bare subjunctive: "I suggest he go."

Q: "I wish I was" or "I wish I were"?
A: Formally, "were" is correct. Casually, many natives say "was," especially in American English.

Q: Is the subjunctive dying?
A: In casual speech, yes. In formal writing, it's still standard. Know it for formal contexts and standardized tests.