subjunctive
If-clause verb form
The subjunctive is a verb form expressing wishes, hypotheticals, demands, or situations contrary to fact.
In English it's subtle—often identical to other forms—but appears in phrases like If I were you (not "was"), I suggest he go (not "goes"), and God save the Queen.
The subjunctive is more prominent in languages like Spanish and French, where distinct verb endings mark it clearly.
Conditional clause marker
- supposeAccept as true tentatively
- imagineForm mental pictures
- what-ifHypothetical scenario query
- werePlural past existence verb
would · could · might · should · scenario · counterfactual · unreal · conditional
Dependent on prerequisites
- counterfactualContrary-to-fact supposition
- indicativeServing as a sign
- imperativeUnavoidably necessary
- inflectionWord form alteration
conjugation · were · concessive · tense · aspect · modality · morphology · syntax
Lack of firm belief
- possibilityState of being achievable
- perhapsExpressing uncertainty
- whetherConjunction expressing doubt
- lestIn case that
fear · worry · concern · tentative · hedging · qualification · reservation · contingency
Intense wanting
- hopeDesire for good outcomes
- longingIntense, persistent desire
- prayerAddress to deity
- demandForceful request or requirement
insist · recommend · suggest · request · require · propose · urge · prefer
Of written works
- archaicBelonging to earlier times
- formalFollowing strict protocol
- registerRecord officially; vocal range
- stiltedUnnaturally formal in expression
elevated · traditional · prescriptive · written · rhetorical · ceremonial · formulaic · fossilized
if
Conditional clause marker
were · would · could · might · should · scenario · counterfactual · unreal · conditional · contingency
conditional
Dependent on prerequisites
- counterfactualContrary-to-fact supposition
- indicativeServing as a sign
- imperativeUnavoidably necessary
inflection · conjugation · were · concessive · tense · aspect · modality · morphology · syntax · grammar
doubt
Lack of firm belief
- possibilityState of being achievable
- perhapsExpressing uncertainty
- whetherConjunction expressing doubt
lest · fear · worry · concern · tentative · hedging · qualification · reservation · contingency · provisional
desire
Intense wanting
demand · insist · recommend · suggest · request · require · propose · urge · prefer · ask
literary
Of written works
- archaicBelonging to earlier times
- formalFollowing strict protocol
- registerRecord officially; vocal range
stilted · elevated · traditional · prescriptive · written · rhetorical · ceremonial · formulaic · fossilized
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subjunctiveindicative
Serving as a sign
imperative · factual · categorical · definite · unconditional