The Subjunctive and Imperative Moods

The Subjunctive and Imperative Moods

The Subjunctive and Imperative Moods
The Subjunctive and Imperative Moods

ADVANCED C1-C2 · 5 WEEKS · $22

This comprehensive course covers the present subjunctive, past subjunctive, past perfect subjunctive and imperative mood. Embark on a transformative journey as you delve into the intricacies of these linguistic constructs and unlock their potential to express importance, recommendations, wishes, unreality, contradiction, imagination and commands.

The present subjunctive

The present subjunctive is used to talk about importance, recommendations or wishes. The infinitive without to is used. For example

  • Be
  • Not be

The present subjunctive is used in a that-clause that is placed after the main clause of a sentence.

  • The CFO insists that the credit controller attend the meeting this afternoon. (importance)
  • Because of your son’s outstanding record, I recommend that he apply to the top universities. (recommendation)
  • I ask that you be polite to the dinner guests this evening. (wish)
  • It is essential that you not discuss our product launch with competitors. (the negative form)

The past subjunctive: the unreal past

The unreal past is also known as the past subjunctive. The unreal past is the use of a past tense to talk about an unreal or unlikely situation in the present. These statements usually contradict the real situation in the present. The results of these situations are usually imaginary.

  • If I knew the answer to this question, I would tell you. (I don’t know the answer.)
  • Imagine you lived in a perfect world, what would your life be like? (I don't live in a perfect world.)

The past perfect subjunctive

The past perfect subjunctive is used to talk about an unreal situation in the past. These statements usually contradict what happened or didn't happen in the past. The results of these situations are usually imaginary.

  • If I hadn't eaten too much last night, I wouldn't have felt sick.
  • If only I had left home earlier. I wouldn't have been late for the interview.

The Imperative mood

The imperative is used to tell people to do something. The infinitive without to is used in the affirmative form.

  • Stop.

Through a carefully curated curriculum, you'll deepen your understanding of these expressive language constructs in a program that ensures a flexible and accommodating learning experience.

This course includes 12 videos, 12 articles, 3 weekly exams, a final exam, A grace period to complete late assignments, and a certificate of completion

The Syllabus

Week 1

  • The present subjunctive
  • The present subjunctive: idioms
  • The past subjunctive: the unreal past
  • The past perfect subjunctive

Week 2

  • The second conditional
  • The third conditional
  • Mixed conditionals

Week 3

  • Suggestions
  • Requests
  • Permission
  • Ability

Week 4

  • Final Exam

Week 5

  • A grace period to submit late assignments

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