subjunctive: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Its use has declined, especially in British English informal speech. However, it remains important in formal writing, legal documents, and American English, particularly in 'that'-clauses following verbs of suggestion, demand, or necessity.

'If I was' is often used in informal contexts for past-time possibilities ('If I was late, I apologise'). 'If I were' is the past subjunctive, used for present/future hypothetical or impossible situations ('If I were a millionaire...'). In formal writing, 'were' is preferred for hypotheticals.

Yes. 'The manager insisted that the report be reviewed by Friday.' Here, 'be reviewed' is the mandative subjunctive, expressing a command or strong suggestion, not a fact.

No. In Modern English, only the verb 'to be' has a distinct, commonly used form: present subjunctive 'be' and past subjunctive 'were'. For other verbs, the subjunctive is identical to the base form (e.g., 'that he go', 'that she have'), which is only noticeable in the third person singular where the indicative 's' is absent.

A specific grammatical mood used to express hypothetical, non-factual, or wished-for situations.

Subjunctive is usually formal, academic, technical in register.

Subjunctive: in British English it is pronounced /səbˈdʒʌŋktɪv/, and in American English it is pronounced /səbˈdʒʌŋktɪv/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.