Mood: indicative, imperative, subjunctive
Recognise and use the indicative, imperative and subjunctive moods.
A verb can do more than show time. Its mood shows whether we are stating a fact, giving an order or imagining something. This lesson covers the three moods.
Mood is the form of a verb that shows the speaker's purpose: stating a fact (indicative), giving a command (imperative) or expressing a wish, demand or unreal idea (subjunctive).
Examples
- Kolkata hosts a famous book fair every year.
- Switch off the fan before you leave.
- Did you pay the electricity bill?
- If she were here, she would know what to do.
- The manager suggested that he take a short break.
- God bless you!
How it works
Indicative: facts and questions
The indicative mood states facts, gives opinions and asks questions. Most of the sentences you write are in this mood.
The library closes at eight.
Imperative: commands and requests
The imperative gives orders, requests, advice or warnings. The subject you is understood, and the verb is in its base form; add please to be polite or do not to make it negative.
Please fill in the form in capital letters.
Subjunctive were
For wishes and imagined situations that are not true, use were with every subject, including I, he, she and it.
I wish it were Sunday today.
Subjunctive base form
After words of demand or advice such as insist, suggest, recommend, demand and it is important that, use the base form of the verb for every subject, with no -s. Prayers and blessings often begin with may.
The coach demanded that every player arrive on time.
Quick reference
| Mood | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Indicative | states a fact | Our office opens at eight. |
| Indicative | asks a question | Is the shop open on Sunday? |
| Imperative | command or instruction | Shut the gate. |
| Imperative | request or advice | Please speak slowly. Drink plenty of water. |
| Subjunctive | unreal wish or condition | If I were rich, I would travel. |
| Subjunctive | demand or suggestion | She insists that he stay. |
| Subjunctive | prayer or blessing | May you be happy! |
Common mistakes
✕If I was the manager, I would cancel the meeting.
✓If I were the manager, I would cancel the meeting.
An imagined situation takes the subjunctive were.
✕The doctor recommended that she exercises daily.
✓The doctor recommended that she exercise daily.
After recommended that, use the base form with no -s.
✕You please sit down.
✓Please sit down.
In the imperative, the subject you is normally left out.
Worked example
Exercise 1
Which mood is the verb in?
"Please close the window" is in the ___ mood. (indicative / imperative / subjunctive)
✓"Please close the window" is in the imperative mood.
It is a request with no stated subject, so it is in the imperative mood.
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