In “I wish it were Friday,” the verb “were” is in the subjunctive mood.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'subjunctive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use: circa 1504
in the meaning defined above
See Words from the same year“I wish it were not so” is in the subjunctive.
Subjunctives can be used to express doubt.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'subjunctive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
1575
grammar : of or relating to the verb form that is used to express suggestions, wishes, uncertainty, possibility, etc.
the subjunctive : the form that a verb or sentence has when it is expressing a suggestion, wish, uncertainty, possibility, etc.
: a subjunctive verb or sentence
Spanish Central: Translation of subjunctive Nglish: Translation of subjunctive for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of subjunctive for Arabic speakers
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