If Subjunctive Were Extinct

Some people think that the subjunctive in English is extinct! If it were, I for one would be very disappointed. As a result of this apparently widespread view, it is necessary that we take our time to review this topic.

Yes they were both subjunctive phrases!

So, how is the subjunctive described, well without over complicating and expanding out to too many moods and going off topic. Let’s look at three moods including the subjunctive:

• Indicative: States facts.
• Imperative: Giving orders / instructions.
• Subjunctive: Expresses hypotheticals, wishes and demands.

Now hypotheticals.

• If I were able to fly I would never walk again.
• If I were in charge it would be a far better place.

There are also song lyrics and titles using hypothetical subjunctive:

• If I were a swan I’d be gone (yes obscure lyric from a Pink Floyd song, feel free to ignore).
• If I were a Rich man (Fiddler on the Roof)
• If I were a carpenter (Tim Hardin).

Unfortunately for Skee-Lo he used the wrong tense, expressing a wish to be a little taller, and a wish to be a baller. No points for using the past indicative, although it is a catchy song, the lyrics should have been “I wish I were a little bit taller”, “I wish I were a baller”.

In terms of the demand category (mandative subjunctive) this again is something that is well worth drilling so you get it right.

It is essential that he take some rest.

Notice this is not “takes” this is an example where it would be different to the indicative, look at how that triggers the subjunctive.

It is necessary that she talk to him to resolve this misunderstanding.

Again “talk” not “talks”.

It is essential we be vigilant and report any unusual activity to the authorities at once.

Yes this one is fun as the subjunctive is not “are” like the indicative but instead the bare stem “be”.

We also have legal examples such as

“Provided that the tenant pay the rent on time, the lease shall remain active.” Not “pays”.

“The defense requests that the witness be recalled.” Not “is”.

Plus there are the idiomatic variety, all of which conform to the subjunctive mood albeit in a different mostly abbreviated order, such as:

• “Be that as it may…”
• “So be it...”
• “If need be…”

In conducting business or simply wanting to use the correct form of the language it is essential to understand that a different language quite often will have the same or similar structures as yours (I’m sure you recognise a lot of the rules that have been included here). Unfortunately quite often teachers have not been aware that these sorts of constructs exist although it is very, very obvious to anyone that natively speaks the language. Sometimes because the intent is still clear pupils are taught to only use the incorrect form of the language and then it is baked in that the rules do not exist.

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Happy learning!