Grammatical Moods – Types of Mood ( Indicative, Imperative, Subjunctive)

What are moods according to English Grammar ? – Read Types of Verb Mood with Examples

The origin of the word ” Mood” is from the Latin Word ‘ modus‘ which means ‘ manner‘. Hence, moods of a verb are the various manners or modes in which actions are expressed. There are three types of moods of English Verbs.

a. Indicative Mood –

We call a verb in Indicative Mood if it makes a factual statement or asks a question, or shows a supposition assumed to be a fact.

Check Examples showing Indicative Mood –

i. Statement –

Rudra is my son.

Kinjal has been sleeping for two hours.

He comes here daily.

ii. Question –

What is she doing now ?

Are you mad ?

Do you know where she is ?

b. Imperative Mood –

We call a verb in Imperative mood if it shows a command, a request, a piece of advice or prayer. Most of such sentences begin with main verb but the subject ‘ You’ is implied here. These sentences also begin with Let.

Check Examples –

i. To show Command –

Go there at once.

Close the door immediately.

ii. To show Request –

Bring me a glass, please.

Please, move a bit.

iii. To give piece of Advice –

Do exercise regularly.

Consult the doctor.

iv. Prayer / Entreaty –

Have mercy upon the poor.

Give your blessings.

c. Subjunctive Mood –

We rarely use this mood in Present Day English. However, we use it to show mood to a minor extent. Use of Subjunctive Mood –

i. to show wish or prayer –

God bless you !

Long live the Emperor !

ii. To show desire, intention, resolution etc.

The people wished that the officer be dismissed.

It is suggested that a library be opened in the middle of the city.

iii. To show unreal fact after the verb ‘ wish’ –

I wish I knew her.

He wishes he were the Prime Minister.

iv. After the phrases as if/ as though to show unreality or improbability –

He behaves as if he were the Emperor.

She walks as if she were the princess.

v. After the phrase ‘ it is time –

It is time we started our work.

It is time you took decision.

vi. After the phrase ‘ would rather’ –

I would rather he came here by train.

She would rather we invited her.

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