Verb Moods in English Grammar

Verb Moods

Indicative Mood

• States a fact or opinion
• Used to make statements or ask questions
• Most common verb mood
• Example: "I am going to the store."

Imperative Mood

• Gives a command or makes a request
• Often uses the base form of the verb
• Can be direct or indirect
• Example: "Close the door!" (direct) vs. "Would you close the door?" (indirect)

Subjunctive Mood

• Expresses doubt, uncertainty, or possibility
• Often used in clauses beginning with "that," "wish," or "if"
• Verbs in the subjunctive mood often appear in the same form as the indicative mood, but with some differences
• Example: "I suggest that he take a break."

Conditional Mood

• Expresses a hypothetical or uncertain situation and its consequences
• Often uses the auxiliary verb "would" or "could"
• Can express a condition and its result
• Example: "If I won the lottery, I would buy a house."

Interrogative Mood

• Asks a question
• Often uses an auxiliary verb ("do," "does," "did") and a main verb
• Can be in the present, past, or future tense
• Example: "Do you like coffee?"

Note: Some sources may group verb moods differently, or recognize additional moods such as the jussive or potential moods. However, the five moods listed above are the most commonly recognized.