Verb Moods IndicativeImperativeInterrogativeConditionalSubjunctive

Mood of Verbs Your verbs have moods, just like you!

What is verb mood? The mood of a verb indicates the state of being or reality. Confused? Let me try to explain…

The Five Moods There are five moods in the English language; some are more complicated than others. – indicative – imperative – interrogative – conditional – subjunctive Let’s look at each more closely. Set up a tree map/five-column notes page.

Indicative Mood Indicative mood indicates a state of reality. Most sentences in English are in the indicative mood. Indicative mood states a fact, describes what happened, or gives details about reality.

Indicative Mood Examples It simply is what it is! He was laughing. The girl has curly brown hair. The shopkeeper closed his doors.

Imperative Mood Imperative mood indicates a state of command. It is used when you are telling someone/something to do something or act in some way.

Imperative Mood Examples The subject is often implied in the imperative mood. (You) Sit down! (You all) Come in and start your notes. (You messy children) Wash your hands before dinner.

Interrogative Mood Interrogative mood indicates a state of questioning. Interrogative mood usually is asking for a course of action to be done or for some information to be given.

Interrogative Mood Examples Have you seen my car? Who was that? What kind of pie do you want? How would you like your burger cooked? Interrogative mood uses “question words.” Often, the subject/verb order is reversed in interrogative sentences.

Conditional Mood Conditional mood indicates that something might cause something else to happen. Conditional mood indicates that one thing will lead to another.

Conditional Mood Examples Conditional mood often uses words like could, would, might. Often linked to a subjunctive mood phrase with the word “if.” Mowing a field on a hot, dry day might start a brush fire. The bomb might explode if you jiggle the switch. I might see hover cars if I were to live to be 110- years-old.

Subjunctive Mood This mood is not often used anymore, but it still survives in some instances. This mood indicates a hypothetical state, a contrary state to reality.

Subjunctive Mood Examples If I were a millionaire, I would purchase a house in each time zone. If I were you, I would get a new car. You basically use the subjunctive mood when you know the event is highly unlikely. They are the “ If I were you… ” types of statements. Notice that the verb changes in the subjunctive; instead of “was” it becomes “were”.