Verb Voice and Mood

Indicative, imperative, subjunctiveand infinitive are the four moods of English verbs. All manners and moods are expressed through these four verbs.

While verb tenses (present, past and future) are used to talk about time, the four mood verbs show states, attitudes and reality.

Indicative Mood

We use the indicative mood to express:

Assertion - Heathrow is the world's busiest airport.

Denial - Oliver cannot speak English.

Question - Do you work in the city?

Imperative Mood

We use the imperative mood to express requests, commands and advice:

Request - Please don't talk in lesson.

Advice - Look out!

Command - Shut that door.

Subjunctive Mood

We use the subjunctive mood to express unreal situations, possibility and wish.

Unreal - If I were rich, I would buy a sports car.

Possibility - We might find her ring if we were to look hard enough.

Wish - I wish it would stop raining.

Infinitive Mood

Verbs in the infinitive mood are used as parts of speech more than verbs. It expresses being or action.

I may go to the beach later.

They came to speak to me.

It's important to eat well.