##  [Verb moods](/writing-tips-plus/verb-moods)

##  Avertissement

Ce contenu est offert en anglais seulement.

## On this page

- [General information](#general-information)
- [Indicative](#indicative)
- [Imperative](#imperative)
- [Subjunctive](#subjunctive)
- [Present-tense subjunctive](#present-tense-subjunctive)
- [Past-tense subjunctive](#past-tense-subjunctive)
- [Past-perfect subjunctive](#past-perfect-subjunctive)
- [Idiomatic expressions](#idiomatic-expressions)
- [Additional information](#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](/en/writing-tips-plus/if-i-was-if-i-were)
- [Verbs in conditional sentences](/en/writing-tips-plus/verbs-in-conditional-sentences)
- [Hypothetically speaking: The subjunctive](/en/pecks-english-pointers/grammar-9-hypothetically-speaking)

### Quizzes

- [Verb moods: Indicative, imperative or subjunctive?](/en/quiz/verb-moods-indicative-imperative-subjunctive-eng)
- [Verb moods: Feeling moody](/en/quiz/verb-moods-feeling-moody-eng)
- [Test yourself—Hypothetically speaking: The subjunctive](/en/pecks-english-pointers/pep-quiz/grammar-9-hypothetically-speaking-quiz)

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