Jack sits on his porch. Is he doing anything? Don’t bother him! If he could, he would help us.

MOOD

The indicative mood states or asserts something. Debra walks to school every day. The Norman army invaded England on October 14, 1066. We will talk after band practice.

Related to the indicative is the imperative mood that gives a command. Give me my money back! Wait for me after school. Stop talking and pay attention.

The interrogative mood asks a question or makes a request. Will you take me with you? Did Jarrod come to the party? Is the concert over?

Finally, the subjunctive mood expresses something that exists only in theory or in someone’s imagination. Sentences that use the subjunctive mood frequently begin with if and use would or could.   If Harry was taller, he could play basketball. If Jane were here, she would know what to do. If you would stop talking, we could get started.

Determine the mood of the verb in each sentence. Don’t be late! Is Grandma really coming to my birthday party? If I could, I would help you. I don’t think we should wait that long. The Civil War began with the attack on Fort Sumter. Will you be coming to my party? If I were a bird, I could fly. You need a haircut. Don’t be so selfish and start thinking of others. I can’t imagine not playing football. If I could turn back time, I would do a lot of things differently. Do you believe what just happened? Don’t be late! <imperative> Is Grandma really coming to my birthday party? <interrogative> If I could, I would help you. <subjunctive> I don’t think we should wait that long. <indicative> The Civil War began with the attack on Fort Sumter. <indicative> Will you be coming to my party? <interrogative> If I were a bird, I could fly. <subjunctive> You need a haircut. <indicative> Don’t be so selfish and start thinking of others. <imperative> I can’t imagine not playing football. <indicative> If I could turn back time, I would do a lot of things differently. <subjunctive> Do you believe what just happened? <interrogative>

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