Wishes, regrets and suggestions: I wish I were, If only I had, I suggest that he go. · about 14 minutes
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What is it? The subjunctive is used for things that are wished, imagined, suggested or demanded rather than real. It appears in wishes (I wish I were taller), in unreal comparisons (as if he were a king) and after verbs of suggestion and demand (I suggest that he go).
Why does it matter? These forms look unusual because the verb doesn't follow the normal rules - but they are standard in formal writing and in careful speech.
Where do we use it? "If only I had known!" "The teacher insisted that he be on time." "It is time we left."
In this lesson you will:
