Mood in English Grammar - Meaning, Definition, Types, Usage and Examples

Verbs in English have six main attributes – form, tense, voice, number, person and mood. While the first five are consciously learnt, the mood of verbs is an often overlooked aspect of verbs. When asked about tenses, verb forms or voices, you might be able to recall what they are and their different types or forms without much effort. It might not be the case with mood. Let that not be the case anymore. Learn what the mood of a verb is, the types of verbs and how to identify and use them through the course of this article.

Table of Contents

• What Is the Mood of a Verb? – Meaning and Definition
• Types of Moods in English Grammar with Examples
  • Indicative Mood
  • Imperative Mood
  • Subjunctive Mood
  • Interrogative Mood
  • Conditional Mood
• Check Your Understanding of Moods in Grammar
• Frequently Asked Questions on Moods in English Grammar

What Is the Mood of a Verb? – Meaning and Definition

Mood represents the intention of the speaker or writer in a sentence. It denotes if the stated sentence is a request, order, suggestion, fact or something imaginary.

According to the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary, mood is “one of the categories of verb use that expresses facts, orders, questions, wishes, or conditions”. The Oxford Dictionary of English Grammar defines mood as “one of the formal grammatical categories into which verb forms are classified, indicating whether the clause in which the verb occurs expresses a fact, command, hypothesis, etc.” Another definition of mood, according to the Cambridge Dictionary, is as follows – “the forms of verbs used to show whether the person speaking intends to express a fact, an order, or a hope”.

Types of Moods in English Grammar with Examples

Mood is divided into three main categories in English grammar, namely,

• Indicative mood
• Imperative mood
• Subjunctive mood

Indicative Mood

The most commonly used mood in the English language, the indicative mood, expresses facts, opinions and general statements. It is used to say if something did or did not happen. Here are some examples of sentences expressing the indicative mood.

• Irene washed all the clothes yesterday.
• We will be going to Dubai next month.
• The temperature is 22°C in Bangalore.
• Tomorrow is a holiday.
• It is raining heavily.

Imperative Mood

Sentences with verbs conveying commands, orders, and requests are said to be in the imperative mood. In other words, it can be said that all imperative sentences are in the imperative mood. The actions stated in the imperative mood are yet to happen, and there are chances that they might not happen at all. These sentences take the infinitive form of the verb and exclude the subject. However, you can use nouns or noun phrases as a noun of address to specify who/whom the request, order or command is directed.

Look at the following examples.

• Pick up the dress on your way.
• Switch on the lights; it is getting dark.
• Anu, can you please help me with this?
• Stop when you see the red light.
• Shaun, close the door.

Subjunctive Mood

The subjunctive mood does not speak about objective facts. It includes opinions, intentions, beliefs and desires; in general, it portrays an individual’s state of mind. It is also used to present hypothetical situations.

Here are a few examples to help you understand.

• The manager insisted that we attend the workshop on SEO writing and optimisation.
• I wish I could have ice cream now.
• If you were me, what would you have done?
• I believe that it will get better.
• The doctor recommended that I take complete rest for two days.

Interrogative mood and conditional mood are also learnt in addition to these most often. Let us look at each of these in detail.

Interrogative Mood

The interrogative mood is expressed through interrogative sentences. It indicates that it is a question with the motive of deriving an answer.

• Are you planning to take up the course on resin art?
• What are your plans for the weekend?
• When are you coming back to Coimbatore?
• Is this Priya’s new car?
• Did you find the answer to that differential equation?

Conditional Mood

The conditional mood indicates the conditions under which a particular course of action might or might not take place. Subordinating conjunctions such as ‘if’ and ‘when’ and modal verbs such as ‘would’, ‘might’ and ‘could’ can be used to frame sentences in the conditional mood.

Given below are some examples of sentences in the conditional mood.

• You will reach on time if you leave home by 7 a.m.
• We will meet you when we come to Bangalore the next time.
• They will make an exception if you have genuine reasons.
• You could enrol if you are interested in learning about cultural diversity.
• Windy can make you another drink if you’d like.

Check Your Understanding of Moods in Grammar

Go through the following sentences and identify the mood of the underlined verbs.

1. Finish this today.

2. Our car broke down.

3. It is better you finish the project by Thursday.

4. Where is their house?

5. My feet are paining.

6. I would sleep all day if I were a baby.

7. Do you like me?

8. Emmet drank a glass of water.

9. The teacher demanded that we keep quiet.

10. She will repay when she gets her salary.

Check your answers from the section given below.

1. Finish this today. – Imperative mood

2. Our car broke down. – Indicative mood

3. It is better you finish the project by Thursday. – Subjunctive mood

4. Where is their house? – Interrogative mood

5. My feet are paining. – Indicative mood

6. I would sleep all day if I were a baby. – Subjunctive mood

7. Do you like me? – Interrogative mood

8. Emmet drank a glass of water. – Indicative mood

9. The teacher demanded that we keep quiet. – Subjunctive mood

10. She will repay when she gets her salary. – Conditional mood