Verbs are sometimes inflected to show the attitude of the speaker's mind; or, as was said long ago, to show the mode or manner of the assertion. Verbs are, therefore, said to have mode. There are three modes.

The Indicative Mode

A form of a verb that is used to show certainty in the mind of the speaker is in the indicative mode; thus, I am happy, I was happy, she sings, she sang, she mil sing.

The Imperative Mode

A form of a verb that is used to express a command or an entreaty is in the imperative mode; thus, Be quiet, Shut the door.

It is apparent that verbs in the imperative mode must be in the second person and present tense. They are used in imperative sentences, and their subjects are generally omitted.

The Subjunctive Mode

A form of the verb that is used to show the following state of the speaker's mind is in the subjunctive mode.

1. Disbelief. If he were wise, he would not do so. (If means suppose. What is the speaker supposing that he believes is not true?)

2. Strong doubt. If you be wise, you do not show it. If he were there, we couldn't find him.

3. Wish. I wish that he were honest. Thy kingdom come.

The first case is much the most common. In it, you see, the speaker supposes something that he knows is not true; or, as is often said, he makes a supposition contrary to the fact.

You have seen that the form were, when used in the indicative mode, is in the plural number and past tense. Notice, in the illustration just given, that this form is used in the subjunctive mode with either a singular or plural subject, and that it may express either present or past time.

(See conjugation of the verb be, p. 336).

The subjunctive mode has also certain legal and business uses. For example, it is used in making motions; thus, I move that the committee be appointed by the president, I move that the club hold its next meeting on Friday, November 2.

Exercise 255

In what mode is each verb that is not found in a verb phrase? If a verb is in the subjunctive mode, decide whether it expresses (1) a supposition that the speaker knows is not true or that is "contrary to the fact" (disbelief); (2) a supposition that he feels pretty sure is not true (strong doubt), or (3) a wish. Notice that a wish is sometimes contrary to the fact.

1. Mary is well.

2. If Mary were well, she would go.

3. Help the child.

4. If he were honest, he would confess his mistake.

5. Once upon a time there lived a king and queen who sorely grieved that they had no child.

6. If she were sorry, she did not show it.

7. If I were you, I should go to the picnic.

8. O, that he were truthful.

9. If you be the owner, prove your claim.

10. I wish that Alice were here.

11. Were Mary here, she would understand the situation better.

12. If there be a good excuse for your conduct, 1 promise to forgive you.

13. Long live the king.

14. If evil befall you, look to me for help.

Exercise 256

Watch for the use of the subjunctive mode in the speech of your teacher and others, and in your reading. Bring illustrations to class.