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SUBJUNCTIVE

We do not use the subjunctive very often in English, but sometimes it is necessary to express uncertainty, wishes or desires. We use it to talk about situations which are improbable or unreal.

FORM Present Past
to be
to come
to save
to go
to have
to do		 be
come
save
go
have
do		 were
came
saved
went
had
did

USE

1. The most common use is the Past Subjunctive in "If..." sentences.
2. We use it also to show that some idea is unreal or improbable.
3. You will see it also in some fixed expressions:
4. It is necessary also in some "that..." clauses:



Present





The Present Subjunctive is the same as the Base form of the verb...

OK More



Past





The Past Subjunctive is the same as the Past form of all verbs; and the "were" form of the verb "to be"

OK More



"If..."





We use "were", "had", "could" and some other verbs to talk about situations which are Unreal.

Other verbs normally describe Improbable situations.

OK Unreal Improbable



unreal


We use it in expressions such as:

It's time you were in bed!
It's time the government did something about the situation.



OK



fixed expressions





"God save the Queen!"
"So be it!"

OK



"that..."





"It is required that she be there."

OK