MOOD Indicative, Imperative, Subjunctive, Conditional, and Interrogative English Language Arts Mrs. Ryfun and Mrs. Smith (edited by Mrs. Atcheson)

“Mood” in Grammar The mood of a verb expresses a writer’s judgment or attitude about a statement.

Five Verb Moods Indicative Imperative Interrogative Conditional Subjunctive

Indicative Mood Expresses a fact or opinion It is 84 degrees in here. I think I am going to pass out.

Imperative Mood Direct command or request The subject is implied or understood to be you. Show me the money. Now give me the money.

Subjunctive Mood Used to express a recommendation, a requirement, a wish or hypothetical situation, or a condition that is contrary to facts. Generally, used only in very formal English.

What does the subjunctive mood look like? The teacher recommended that I be in her class. The judge suggested that we be given first prize. I demand that he do the assignment. Her mom insisted that she not play tomorrow night. I wish you were in my English class. If I were you, I wouldn’t do that.

What does the subjunctive mood look like? Common verbs: ask, demand, determine, insist, move, order, pray, prefer, recommend, regret, request, require, suggest, and wish.

What mood? Indicative, Imperative, Subjunctive? Maria translates articles into Spanish. I wish you were here. Bring me the towels. I suggest that you be quiet now. Please be quiet. The coach asked that each player practice twice each day. The coach wishes the rugby team ___ more motivated.

Conditional Indicates a conditional state that will cause something else to happen. Common key words: could, would, should, might, or must

Conditional Examples: If we use our time wisely (conditional state), we might get to go home early. (What will happen?) Ivan could find a better job if he visited an employment agency. (What is the conditional state?) (What would happen?) Hill would arrive in town earlier if he leaves Brantley County tomorrow morning. (What is the conditional state?) (What would happen?)

Interrogative Indicates a state of questioning In the interrogative mood, the subject-verb order is inverted.

Interrogative Examples: Will Dad take out the trash tomorrow? Have we completed the final project? Will you walk to the library tomorrow?

Inappropriate shifts An inappropriate shift or inconsistency in the verb of a sentence confuses the reader. Shifts in a verb mood can make reading difficult and obscure the sentence's meaning. To correct the shift, both clauses in the sentence should be in the same mood.

Inappropriate Shifts Inappropriate Shift Eat ice cream, and you will jog around the playground. (imperative) (indicative) Correction Eat ice cream and jog around the playground. (imperative) (imperative)

Inappropriate Shifts Inappropriate Shift You could eat ice cream, but why couldn't you jog around the playground? (indicative) (interrogative) Correction You could eat ice cream, and you could jog around the playground. (indicative) (indicative)

Inappropriate Shift Inappropriate Shift If you were to eat ice cream, you will jog around the playground. (subjunctive: hint "if/were") (indicative) Correction If you were to eat ice cream, you would jog around the playground. (subjunctive past form "were") (subjunctive past form "would")