Subjunctive

 

The subjunctive is used rarely. One finds vestiges of it in a few hypothetical expressions (using 'if + to be') and in a few set phrases.
(In many cases the subjunctive -- considered archaic or literary -- is replaced by the modal 'would,' used to express the conditional.)
Other meanings often communicated by the subjunctive in other languages will be expressed by modal verbs in English.

> In constructions using 'if + to be', one should use 'were' (instead of 'was') with the first and third persons singular ('I' and 'he,' 'she,' or 'it'). (In spoken English, and in much informal writing, 'was' will still be used.)

If I were Muriel, I'd never go back there.
If she were alone, I'd stop by to see her.
He acts as if he were crazy.

> When you use verbs, the rule is easy to understand:
If I had enough money, I would buy a big house.

 

> Set phrases and proverbs:
God help us!
Long live the king!
Would that I were free!