Conditional vs. Subjunctive

Attribute	Conditional	Subjunctive
Definition	Used to express a hypothetical or uncertain condition and its probable result.	Used to express doubt, uncertainty, or unreality.
Verb Forms	Uses the base form of the verb plus the modal auxiliary verb "would".	Uses the base form of the verb, often with the addition of certain auxiliary verbs.
Usage	Used to talk about possible or hypothetical situations, wishes, or polite requests.	Used to express desires, doubts, possibilities, or actions that are contrary to fact.
Conditional Clauses	Often used in conditional clauses (if-clauses) to express the result of a hypothetical condition.	Can be used in subordinate clauses to express a range of meanings, such as purpose, necessity, doubt, or emotion.
Verb Mood	Indicative mood (expressing facts) with a conditional meaning.	Subjunctive mood (expressing unreality or doubt).
Examples	If I had money, I would buy a car.	I suggest that he study harder.

Introduction

Conditional and subjunctive are two important grammatical concepts in the English language. While they both deal with hypothetical or unreal situations, they have distinct attributes that set them apart. In this article, we will explore the characteristics of conditional and subjunctive, their usage, and examples to provide a comprehensive understanding of these two grammatical constructs.

Conditional

The conditional is a verb form used to express hypothetical or unreal situations. It is often used to talk about possibilities, consequences, or actions that depend on certain conditions being met. The conditional is formed by using the auxiliary verb "would" followed by the base form of the main verb.

One of the key attributes of the conditional is its ability to express future possibilities. For example, "If it rains tomorrow, I would stay at home." In this sentence, the speaker is expressing their hypothetical response to a potential future event. The conditional allows us to discuss outcomes that are dependent on specific conditions being fulfilled.

Another attribute of the conditional is its use in expressing polite requests or offers. For instance, "Would you mind closing the window?" or "I would be happy to help you with your project." In these examples, the conditional form of the verb "would" is used to convey politeness and make a request or offer in a more courteous manner.

Furthermore, the conditional can also be used to express unreal or hypothetical situations in the past. For instance, "If I had studied harder, I would have passed the exam." Here, the conditional is used to talk about a different outcome in the past based on a hypothetical condition.

In summary, the conditional is a verb form that allows us to discuss hypothetical or unreal situations, express future possibilities, make polite requests or offers, and talk about unreal situations in the past.

Subjunctive

The subjunctive is a verb form used to express various states of unreality, doubt, or hypothetical situations. It is often used to convey wishes, recommendations, demands, or suggestions. The subjunctive form of a verb is typically different from its indicative form and varies depending on the verb tense and the subject of the sentence.

One of the primary attributes of the subjunctive is its use in expressing wishes or desires. For example, "I wish I were taller." In this sentence, the subjunctive form "were" is used to express an unreal or hypothetical situation. The subjunctive allows us to talk about things that are not currently true or possible.

Another attribute of the subjunctive is its use in expressing recommendations or demands. For instance, "It is important that he arrive on time." Here, the subjunctive form "arrive" is used to convey a recommendation or demand. The subjunctive is often employed in formal or authoritative contexts to express a desired action or outcome.

The subjunctive can also be used to express hypothetical conditions or suggestions. For example, "If I were you, I would take the job." In this sentence, the subjunctive form "were" is used to convey a hypothetical situation. The subjunctive allows us to discuss alternative scenarios or make suggestions based on unreal conditions.

In summary, the subjunctive is a verb form that enables us to express wishes, recommendations, demands, hypothetical conditions, and suggestions. It is used to convey various states of unreality or doubt.

Usage Comparison

While both the conditional and subjunctive deal with hypothetical or unreal situations, they have distinct usage patterns. The conditional is primarily used to discuss possibilities, consequences, or actions that depend on certain conditions being met. It is often employed to express future possibilities, make polite requests or offers, and talk about unreal situations in the past.

On the other hand, the subjunctive is used to express wishes, recommendations, demands, hypothetical conditions, and suggestions. It is employed to convey various states of unreality or doubt and is often used in formal or authoritative contexts.

It is important to note that the subjunctive is less commonly used in modern English compared to the conditional. However, it still plays a significant role in certain contexts, such as formal writing, literature, or expressions of politeness.

Examples

Let's explore some examples to further illustrate the attributes and usage of the conditional and subjunctive:

Conditional Examples

• If I win the lottery, I will travel the world.
• Would you mind passing me the salt, please?
• If it snows tomorrow, we will build a snowman.
• I would love to join you for dinner tonight.
• If I had more time, I would learn to play the piano.

Subjunctive Examples

• I wish I were a better dancer.
• It is essential that he be present at the meeting.
• If I were you, I would take the job offer.
• I suggest that she study harder for the exam.
• May you have a wonderful birthday!

Conclusion

In conclusion, the conditional and subjunctive are two distinct verb forms used to express hypothetical or unreal situations. The conditional is primarily used to discuss possibilities, consequences, or actions that depend on certain conditions being met. It allows us to express future possibilities, make polite requests or offers, and talk about unreal situations in the past.

On the other hand, the subjunctive is used to express wishes, recommendations, demands, hypothetical conditions, and suggestions. It enables us to convey various states of unreality or doubt and is often employed in formal or authoritative contexts.

While the conditional is more commonly used in everyday language, the subjunctive still holds importance in certain contexts. Understanding the attributes and usage of both the conditional and subjunctive can greatly enhance one's grasp of the English language and enable effective communication in various situations.