In today’s episode, Lindsay and Aubrey talk about the subjunctive mood in English.
Native English speakers often make mistakes using the subjunctive in informal speech.
Listen in on their discussion as they share tips on how to use it correctly.
This is especially important in a formal business English scenario.
Importance of grammar
Today’s episode is inspired by a listener who wants to bring their grammar to a higher level.
Though our motto at All Ears English is “Connection NOT Perfection,” that doesn’t mean you should ignore grammar.
Grammar definitely matters, especially in the business world.
Aubrey shares that native English speakers, especially in the U.S., often use the subjunctive mood incorrectly especially in informal conversations.
At work, you may sound unprofessional if you don’t use correct grammar.
Here is a question from Asako about proper grammar:
My name is Asako.
I wanted to brush up my grammar use and I came across these 2 sentences.
1) She acts as if she were the queen.
2) She talks to me as if she is my mother.
I perfectly understand why the first sentence uses past tense “were”, as in “she were the queen.”
But I don’t get why the second sentence uses present tense “is”, as in “she is my mother.”
It would be really helpful if you could help me on this.
Thank you in advance!!
Tricky grammar mistakes
Aubrey says that the second sentence provided by Asako in her question is grammatically incorrect.
The sentence should be in subjunctive mood: “She talks to me as if she were my mother.”
You may hear native English speakers say it incorrectly because mistakes with subjunctive mood are so common.
In the United States, mistakes with subjunctive mood are accepted in an informal setting.
You may actually see these mistakes in books, hear them in songs, and see them on TV and in movies.
Aubrey shares that she was recently watching TV and heard someone say, “It would hurt even more if it was you.”
The correct way to say it is, “It would hurt even more if it were you.”
She also points out some mistakes in songs:
- If I was a rich girl… (Gwen Stefani)
- If I was the man… (Taylor Swift)
In these songs, they may have used the subjunctive wrong intentionally.
They may be aware that their fans hear these mistakes often and might think the correct grammar is incorrect.
Lindsay shares that she has made mistakes with subjunctive mood in the past.
When she became an English teacher, she learned and corrected her grammar mistakes.
Sign post words: if and wish
There are signpost words that will remind you to use the subjunctive mood.
Examples of signpost words are “if” and “wish.”
Conversations regarding hypotheticals often use the words “if” and “wish.”
When you see these words, they usually require the subjunctive mood.
Example:
Wrong: “If I was a millionaire, I would…” / “I wish I was a millionaire…”
Correct: “If I were a millionaire, I would…” / “I wish I were a millionaire…”
It may sound correct to use “was” but the correct word to use is “were.”
Aubrey shares that if she were a millionaire, she would donate some of her money to those who really need it.
Lindsay says that if she were a millionaire she would travel.
During the Covid pandemic there were a lot of places she didn’t get to see.
Examples:
Wrong: “If he was being honest, he wouldn’t say that.”
Correct: “If he were being honest, he wouldn’t say that.”
Wrong: “I wish I was not addicted to sugar.”
Correct: “I wish I were not addicted to sugar.”
Should you correct others?
When you hear someone use the subjunctive wrong, we recommend you not correct them.
They may be doing it intentionally, or they may not know they’re using it incorrectly.
Even in a business setting, you shouldn’t correct a colleague’s grammar.
What is important is that you know the difference and you should continue to be aware of your grammar.
Don’t miss this episode!
Aubrey encourages listeners to check out another AEE episode teaching about subjunctive mood.
You can find it at this link: All Ears English Episode 1062: We Recommend That You Try This Advanced Grammar Point.
In this episode, you get details on using the subjunctive to talk about urgency, power, importance or make suggestions.
Roleplay
In this roleplay, Lindsay and Aubrey are working together and they are debriefing after a presentation.
Aubrey: That went really well but let’s talk about any improvements we can implement next time. What would you do differently?
Lindsay: I wish I were able to speak more clearly about market value.
Aubrey: Oh yeah! That could help us clarify the message.
Lindsay: I think so. If I were able to provide an analysis with visuals that might make a difference.
Aubrey: What if we were more informed about our competitor’s angle?
Lindsay: Yeah, that would help us know what direction to take.
Lindsay says this sounds like a high-level business meeting.
They used the subjunctive mood correctly in this conversation.
Aubrey agrees and says that it might sound too informal if you don’t use correct grammar in a formal setting.
Takeaway
Native English speakers may not always use correct grammar.
If you are talking to friends, family or colleagues in an informal setting, it’s alright to loosen up and speak freely without worrying too much about your grammar.
However, if you are at work, it’s best to know how to use correct grammar to show your professionalism.
When you properly use the subjunctive mood, you elevate the way you communicate.
You don’t have to be correct all the time with your grammar, and you shouldn’t correct someone else if you notice a mistake.
However, you should be equipped with correct grammar when the occasion or situation requires it.
Do you often hear mistakes with subjunctive mood?
Share an example in the comments below!
