The Subjunctive Mood - English Grammar Lesson
This lesson explains the subjunctive mood in simple English, with rules and examples for students and exam preparation.
Rule
The subjunctive expresses wishes, demands and unreal situations. Use were for all subjects in unreal conditions.
Examples
- If I were you, I would wait.
- I suggest that he go.
Common Mistake
| Incorrect | If I was you |
|---|---|
| Correct | If I were you |
Practice Tip
Write three original sentences about this topic, then check each one against the rule above.
Related: Parts of Speech and English Tenses.