Mood
In English grammar, "mood" refers to a verb form or construction that conveys the speaker's
attitude toward the action or state described by the verb. There are three primary moods in
English:
1. Indicative Mood
● Definition: The indicative mood is used to make factual statements, ask questions, or
express opinions. It indicates a reality that can be confirmed or denied.
● Structures:
○ Simple Present: Subject + base form of the verb (add -s or -es for third-person
singular)
■ Example: "She reads every day."
○ Simple Past: Subject + past form of the verb
■ Example: "They visited Paris last year."
○ Present Perfect: Subject + has/have + past participle
■ Example: "He has finished his homework."
○ Future Simple: Subject + will + base form of the verb
■ Example: "I will go to the store."
● Uses:
○ To state facts: "The Earth orbits the Sun."
○ To ask questions: "Are you coming to the party?"
○ To express opinions: "I believe that honesty is important."
2. Imperative Mood
● Definition: The imperative mood is used to issue commands, make requests, or give
instructions. It can be direct or more polite.
● Structures:
○ Base Form of the Verb: The verb is used in its base form without a subject.
■ Example: "Turn off the lights."
○ Negative Imperative: "Do not" + base form of the verb
■ Example: "Do not touch that."
● Uses:
○ Commands: "Close the window."
○ Requests: "Please help me with this."
○ Instructions: "Add the flour to the mixture."
● Politeness: Adding “please” makes it more polite.
○ Example: "Please pass the butter."
3. Subjunctive Mood
● Definition: The subjunctive mood expresses wishes, hypothetical situations, demands, or
suggestions that are not necessarily true or real.
● Structures:
○ Present Subjunctive: Base form of the verb (used mainly in formal contexts)
■ Example: "I suggest that he study more."
○ Past Subjunctive: "Were" is used for all subjects in hypothetical situations
■ Example: "If I were a bird, I would fly."
○ Expressions: Certain verbs and phrases trigger the subjunctive mood.
■ Example: "It is essential that she be present."
● Uses:
○ Wishes: "I wish it were summer."
○ Hypothetical Situations: "If I were taller, I could play basketball."
○ Suggestions and Demands: "I recommend that he take the test."
Additional Notes
● Context Matters: The mood can change the meaning or tone of a sentence. For example:
○ Indicative: "I think he is right." (stating an opinion)
○ Subjunctive: "I wish he were right." (expressing a desire contrary to fact)
● Subjunctive Usage in American English: The subjunctive mood is more commonly
used in American English than in British English, particularly in formal writing.
● Common Expressions that Trigger the Subjunctive:
○ Verbs: recommend, suggest, insist, demand, wish
○ Phrases: "It's important that...", "If only..."
○
● Indicative Mood: Most common mood, used in everyday communication.
● Imperative Mood: Direct commands can be softened with "please" for politeness.
Practice Questions
Identify the mood of the verb in each sentence and write "indicative," "imperative," or
"subjunctive" next to the sentence number.
1. If I were you, I would take the opportunity.
2. She sings beautifully.
3. Please come to the meeting on time.
4. I wish he were here to see this.
5. Do you know the answer to the question?
6. It’s important that he be informed about the changes.
7. Turn off the lights when you leave.
8. They are planning a trip to Europe next summer.
9. I suggest that you read the instructions carefully.
10. If only she had more time to study!
11. Help me with this project, please.
12. The cat is sleeping on the couch.
13. I recommend that you try the new restaurant.
14. She wants to go to the concert.
15. Don’t forget to submit your assignment.
16. I wish it would stop raining.
17. The teacher explains the lesson clearly.
18. If I were taller, I could reach the top shelf.
19. Take your time; there’s no rush.
20. It is essential that he finish his work by Friday.
