List of Verbs Commonly Used in the Subjunctive Mood

📚 Understanding the Subjunctive Mood

The subjunctive mood is a verb form used to express things that are hypothetical, wished for, imagined, or contrary to fact. It's less common in modern English than it used to be, but it's still important for formal writing and certain expressions.

📜 Historical Context

Historically, the subjunctive mood was more widely used in English, with distinct verb forms. Over time, English has simplified, and the subjunctive often looks identical to the indicative mood (the mood of factual statements). However, certain verbs and constructions still trigger the subjunctive.

🔑 Key Principles of Subjunctive Verb Use

• ✅ 'That' clauses after certain verbs: The subjunctive often appears in 'that' clauses following verbs that express a demand, recommendation, request, suggestion, or order.
• ✨ Use of the base form: In the present subjunctive, the verb takes its base form (the infinitive without 'to'), regardless of the subject. For example, 'I suggest he be on time,' not 'is'.
• 🔮 'Were' for hypothetical situations: The verb 'were' is used instead of 'was' in hypothetical 'if' clauses, regardless of the subject (e.g., 'If I were you...').

📝 List of Verbs Commonly Used in the Subjunctive Mood

Here's a detailed list of verbs that commonly trigger the subjunctive mood in English, particularly in 'that' clauses:

💡Verbs of Demand, Recommendation, Request, Suggestion, or Order

• 📣 Advise: To recommend something. Example: I advise that he study diligently.
• 🗣️ Ask: To make a request. Example: They ask that she be present.
• 🎯 Command: To give an order. Example: The general commanded that the troops advance.
• ⚖️ Demand: To insist upon something. Example: He demands that the report be finished by Friday.
• ➡️ Desire: To wish for something. Example: I desire that peace prevail.
• ✍️ Dictate: To give instructions. Example: The rules dictate that everyone wear a helmet.
• ❗ Insist: To be firm in a statement or demand. Example: She insisted that he accept the award.
• 📌 Move: To propose formally. Example: I move that the meeting be adjourned.
• 🔏 Order: To give an authoritative instruction. Example: The judge ordered that the evidence be presented.
• 🙏 Pray: To hope or request earnestly. Example: We pray that justice be served.
• ✅ Recommend: To suggest favorably. Example: The doctor recommended that she stop smoking.
• 🙋 Request: To ask for something. Example: He requested that she attend the conference.
• 📣 Require: To make obligatory. Example: The regulations require that all applicants submit their transcripts.
• 💡 Suggest: To propose an idea. Example: I suggest that we leave early.
• 📣 Urge: To strongly encourage. Example: They urged that he reconsider his decision.

🌍 Other Constructions Using the Subjunctive

• ➡️ 'If' clauses expressing hypothetical situations: Example: If I were a rich man, I would travel the world.
• 💡 'As if' or 'as though' clauses: Example: He acts as if he were the boss.
• ✨ Expressions of wishes: Example: I wish I were taller.

📝 Real-World Examples

Let's see these verbs in action with some practical examples:

🔑 Conclusion

While the subjunctive mood may seem daunting, understanding the verbs that commonly trigger it can greatly improve your command of English grammar. Pay attention to the context and the intent of the sentence to identify when the subjunctive is appropriate. With practice, you'll master this subtle but important aspect of the English language!