Chapter 4: VERBS and MOOD
VERB MOODS tell us the attitude of the speaker.
There are five verb moods to know: indicative, imperative, interrogative, conditional, and subjunctive.
1. INDICATIVE verbs communicate facts, opinions, and
statements. It is the verb mood we use most often.
EXAMPLES:
Hummingbirds are the only birds ← fact
that can fly backward .
I don't like that shade of blue. ← opinion
Yi appreciated that get-well card. ← statement
2. IMPERATIVE verbs give the commands or make requests.
EXAMPLES:
Please give me some space. ← request
Don't eat those rotten eggs! ← command
3. INTERROGATIVE verbs ask questions
EXAMPLES:
How long will it take to drive to Alaska?
Did you pack an extra sandwich?
4. CONDITIONAL verbs describe what would happen if something
else happens. Look for the words "if," "may," "should," and "could."
EXAMPLES:
If you leave the door open, the cat may sneak out.
She should feel better with a full eight hours of sleep.
5. SUBJUNCTIVE MOOD is used to express a hypothetical situation,
wish, dream, hope, or desire, especially if the situation is unlikely
or impossible. Look for suggestions, considerations, and the words
"were" and "if."
EXAMPLES:
If I were a billionaire, I would end world hunger.
I wish it were the weekend already.
QUICKIES FOR KOREANS
Avoid mood shifts! Sentences that use one verb mood are stronger than sentences with verb mood shifts, so be consistent. If your sentence starts in one mood,
it should stay in the mood.
❌ Don't forget to feed the dogs, and you should take them for a walk.
(This can't work since I'm ordering you to feed the dog, but then suggesting for you to take them for a walk!)
✔ Don't forget to feed the dogs and take them for a walk.
(This works because I'm ordering you to feed the dogs AND take them for a walk.)
❌ If I were a mermaid, I will braid shells and seaweed into my hair.
(This doesn't work since "if" means I am wishing for it to happen, and it probably won't. But then I say "will", which is a term for the future, which gives the wish a chance to happen.)
✔ If I were a mermaid, I would braid shells and seaweed into my hair.
(This works because "would" fits the imagination statement)
CONGRATULATIONS!! You finished Chapter 4! I'm so proud of you! (잘했어!!)
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