Subjunctive mood

Using the subjunctive form for hypotheticals, suggestions and wishes

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Try each question. If you're stuck, leave it and come back. The answer key is on the last page.

1
Which sentence uses the subjunctive mood correctly? A) If I were rich, I would travel the world. B) If I was rich, I would travel the world. C) If I am rich, I would travel the world. D) If I be rich, I would travel the world.
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2
Fill in the subjunctive form: I wish I ___ taller. I wish I ___ taller.
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3
Which is correct? 'If I ___ rich, I would buy a castle.' A) was B) were C) be D) am
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4
Which sentence uses the subjunctive correctly? A) I wish I was taller. B) I wish I were taller. C) I wish I am tall. D) I wish I be tall.
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5
Which sentence shows the subjunctive after a verb of suggestion? A) I suggest he be on time. B) I suggest he is on time. C) I suggest he was on time. D) I suggest he being on time.
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6
Fill in the subjunctive: The teacher insisted that every pupil ___ on time. The teacher insisted that every pupil ___ on time.
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7
Which sentence uses 'as if' with the subjunctive correctly? A) He talks as if he were the boss. B) He talks as if he is the boss. C) He talks as if he being the boss. D) He talks as if he are the boss.
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8
Which sentence shows the subjunctive correctly? A) It is essential that he arrive early. B) It is essential that he arrives early. C) It is essential that he arrived early. D) It is essential that he arriving early.
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9
Fill in the subjunctive: I wouldn't do that if I ___ in your position. I wouldn't do that if I ___ in your position.
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10
Fill in the subjunctive: She recommended that he ___ careful. She recommended that he ___ careful.
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Answer key

Subjunctive mood · for parents and teachers

1
If I were rich, I would travel the world.
The subjunctive uses 'were' for hypothetical situations, even with 'I', 'he' or 'she'.
2
were
After 'wish' (for unreal/hypothetical situations), use 'were' for all subjects.
3
were
Use 'were' (not 'was') in subjunctive 'If I were...'.
4
I wish I were taller.
Use 'were' in subjunctive wishes ('I wish I were...').
5
I suggest he be on time.
After verbs of suggestion or demand, use the base form (subjunctive): 'be', 'go', 'do', 'see'.
6
be
After verbs of demanding or insisting, the subjunctive uses the base form: 'be' here, not 'is'.
7
He talks as if he were the boss.
'As if' introduces a hypothetical, so we use 'were' (subjunctive) rather than 'was' or 'is'.
8
It is essential that he arrive early.
After phrases of necessity ('it is essential that', 'it is important that'), use the base form (subjunctive).
9
were
Even though we say 'I was' normally, the subjunctive uses 'were' in hypothetical 'if' clauses.
10
be
After verbs of recommendation, the subjunctive uses the base form 'be' (not 'is' or 'was').