Using the Subjunctive

Use the subjunctive when something isn’t real. Not that you’re lying, but when you describe something that is contrary to reality, such as if by flapping your arms would make you fly. Use the indicative when something is real, such as flapping your arms makes you tired.

Here’s an example of getting it wrong:

Second panel. He should say “If I weren’t competitive.”

Here’s an example of getting it right:

Second panel. Incorrect would be “if I was being let go.”

Think when you write.

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The first lesson I’ve mentioned before: use the subjunctive with “if.” The kid doesn’t, which is incorrect. First panel:

He should say “If I were left-handed.” “If” implies contrary to fact, hence the need for the subjunctive.

So what’s the answer to his question? Could he be left-handed and right-footed? Yes! Herein lies lesson two, a vocabulary lesson. When you are right-one thing and left-another thing, that’s called being cross-dominant. I happen to be cross-dominant—right-handed and left-eyed, so that’s how I know.

What about you? Might you be cross-dominant?

When you have a sentence that’s contrary to reality!

I’ve mentioned this in the past (use the search box on the right) but I thought this example was clear (funny) enough to justify a repeat:

Anyway, he should have said, “I wish I were less gullible.” I know a few people who could use one of those rocks…

Second panel. It’s not past tense! Can you name the tense the dog used? (Answer after the comic., so don’t look.)

It’s present perfect subjunctive! (Yes, it’s past tense in the first panel.)

I picked this up on Memorial Day, hence the topic. But it’s a good example of not using the subjunctive when you’re supposed to.

The “if” makes the sentence contrary to reality, so you should use the subjunctive form of the verb, “were.” If only it were this easy.

Speaking as a pedant, using a pronoun (it) is frequently bad writing, even when using a pronoun is grammatical. What would you supply in place of the “it”?