Grammar Handbook: Verb Mood

The Center for Writing Studies, The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Verbs may be in one of three moods: indicative, imperative, or subjunctive. The indicative mood is used to make factual statements. The imperative mood makes a request or a command. The subjunctive mood can express a doubt or a wish using clauses beginning with "if" or "that"; it can also express a request, demand, or proposal in a clause beginning with "that."

:: Indicative Mood

: Present indicative: Jerry Seinfeld laughs on television.
: Past indicative: Jerry laughed on television.
: Future indicative: Jerry will laugh on television tomorrow.
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:: Imperative Mood

Notice how much sharper the picture appears.
Call her tomorrow.
Take a seat!
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:: Subjunctive Mood

He talks about grammar as if he were an expert. (Expresses doubt or an idea contrary to fact.)
I wish that I were a fast runner. (Expresses a wish.)
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: Present Subjunctive

The professor requests that the paper be turned in on time. (Expresses a request.)
The rules require that each contestant submit an entry form. (Expresses a demand.)
I suggest that the heat be reduced. (Illustrates a proposal.)
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: Auxiliary Verbs
Auxiliary verbs "could," "would," and "should" might also express the subjunctive mood, especially when one expresses a condition contrary to fact.

Examples:

Past subjunctive	Condition contrary to fact
If the forecaster were correct, I would be prepared.	If the forecaster could be correct, I would be prepared.
If the company were to fly her, she would interview.	If the company would fly her, she would interview.
If Joe were to marry Ann, he would be happy.	If Joe should marry Ann, he would be happy.

Verbs that are often followed by "that" clauses with subjunctive verbs: announce, ask, as if, as though, demand, determine, indicate, insist, move, order, prefer, propose, recommend, request, require, and suggest.
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