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subjunctive

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /səbˈdʒʌŋktɪv/

KK: /səbˈdʒʌŋk.tɪv/

adjective
Definition

Relating to a verb form that expresses a wish, doubt, or hypothetical situation rather than a fact.


Example

In English, the subjunctive mood is often used in sentences that express a wish or a suggestion.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever studied the subjunctive mood in English?
Sloth B
Yeah, it can be pretty tricky sometimes!
Sloth A
I find it interesting how it expresses hypothetical situations.
Sloth B
Definitely! It adds a unique flavor to the language.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
conditional
hypothetical
dependent
Antonyms
indicative
assertive
factual
noun
Definition

A grammatical mood used to express wishes, hypotheticals, or conditions that are not real or certain.


Example

In English, the subjunctive is often used in sentences like 'If I were you, I would apologize.'


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever heard about the subjunctive mood in English?
Sloth B
Yeah, it's that grammatical structure used for wishes or hypotheticals, right?
Sloth A
Exactly! I find it interesting how it changes the verb forms.
Sloth B
Root Explanation

**Subjunctive** → It is formed from "sub-" (meaning under) and "iunctus" (from "iungere", meaning to join). The word refers to a mood that expresses actions that are dependent on certain conditions, thus being 'under' the influence of those conditions.

Memory Tip

Think of actions that are 'under' certain conditions ('sub-') and 'joined' to those conditions ('iungere'). This helps you remember that the subjunctive mood expresses actions that depend on something else.

Visually Confused Words
subdisjunctive
sejunctive
abjunctive
junctive
disjunctive
subconjunctively
Is this page helpful?
Same here! Using the subjunctive can be tricky, though.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
mood
tense
form
Antonyms
indicative
declarative
assertive