Imperfect Subjunctive Mood in English
By Author Giljonnys Dias da Silva
The imperfect subjunctive in English—also referred to as the imperfect subjunctive—is used to talk about imaginary or unreal situations, wishes, doubts, possibilities, or conditions that go against reality, especially in the past. While English doesn’t use as many verb forms for the subjunctive as Portuguese does, it still plays an important role in certain expressions. This form is commonly used to describe things that didn’t actually happen or to talk about situations that are imagined or hoped for.
Structure: If + subject + verb in the simple past (in English):
if I slept (se eu dormisse)
if you slept (se você dormisse)
if he slept (se ele dormisse)
if she slept (se ela dormisse)
if it slept (se ele/ela dormisse)
if we slept (se nós dormíssemos)
if you slept (se vocês dormissem)
if they slept (se eles dormissem)
How the Past Subjunctive Is Used in English
The imperfect subjunctive is mainly used in English in the following three situations:
1. In conditional sentences (wish, if-clauses, etc.): When talking about things that are imaginary or wished for, but not true in the present or past, we use the imperfect subjunctive. One of the most common forms is the verb "were", which is used with all subjects—even with "I", "he", or "she". Although "to be" is an irregular verb, "were" is the correct form in subjunctive structures for all subjects.
2. To express unreal wishes about the present or past (wish): The imperfect subjunctive helps express regret or desire for something to be different—either something that didn’t happen in the past or something that isn’t true now.
3. Following expressions of doubt, suggestion, or imagined situations (if only, as if, as though, etc.): Certain expressions call for the imperfect subjunctive to describe something hypothetical, imagined, or contrary to fact.
How the Imperfect Subjunctive Is Formed
A defining feature of the imperfect subjunctive in English is the consistent use of "were" with all subjects (I, you, he/she, we, they). When using other verbs, the form typically matches that of the simple past.
1. The verb "to be":
What sets the imperfect subjunctive apart is that "were" is used universally, regardless of the subject—even when the subject is "I", "he", or "she".
If I were you, I would not do that.
Se eu fosse você, não faria isso.
I wish he were here with me.
Eu gostaria que ele estivesse aqui comigo.
If she were my friend, she would understand.
Se ela fosse minha amiga, ela entenderia.
2. Other verbs:
For other verbs, the imperfect subjunctive is formed using the simple past tense of the verb, with no changes—except for the verb "to be".
I wish she knew how to help me.
Eu gostaria que ela soubesse como me ajudar.
If he studied more, he would pass the test.
Se ele estudasse mais, ele passaria na prova.
Examples with the Imperfect Subjunctive
1. If-Clauses (Hypothetical or Unlikely Situations): Conditional sentences that refer to past situations often require the imperfect subjunctive. The most common type is the second conditional, which discusses hypothetical scenarios in the present or future, using the imperfect subjunctive for the verb and would/could/might in the main clause.
2. Wishes About the Present or Past (Wish): When expressing a desire for something to be different in the present or past, we use the imperfect subjunctive to convey those wishes.
I wish I were at the beach right now.
Eu gostaria de estar na praia agora.
Quem dera estar na praia agora.
I wish you had told me the truth.
Eu gostaria que você tivesse me dito a verdade.
Quem dera você tivesse me dito a verdade.
I wish I knew the answer.
Eu gostaria de saber a resposta.
Quem dera saber a resposta.
3. Phrases with "If Only": The expression "if only" is used to convey a deep wish or regret about something that didn’t occur or isn’t true.
If only I were taller!
Se ao menos eu fosse mais alto!
If only I had studied harder for the exam!
Se ao menos eu tivesse estudado mais para o exame!
4. Other Hypothetical Phrases (As if/As though): When we use "as if" or "as though" to talk about something that seems true but is actually imagined or unreal, we also use the imperfect subjunctive.
She talks as if she were the boss.
Ela fala como se fosse a chefe.
He acts as though he knew everything.
Ele age como se soubesse de tudo.
In conclusion, the imperfect subjunctive in English is used to express hypothetical situations, wishes, or counterfactual conditions, whether in the past or present. While the verb form "were" is the most common, the imperfect subjunctive in English is somewhat less frequently used than in Portuguese, but it remains crucial for expressing ideas of unreality, desire, and hypothetical scenarios. By studying and practicing the imperfect subjunctive, one can enhance their command of English, especially in situations that involve unreal conditions or desires.
Bibliographic References
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Eastwood, John. Oxford Guide to English Grammar. Oxford University Press, 2002.
Leech, Geoffrey, et al. English Grammar for Today. Macmillan Education, 2002.
Biber, Douglas, et al. Longman Grammar of Spoken and Written English. Pearson Longman, 2002.
Swan, Michael. Practical English Usage. 4th ed. Oxford University Press, 2016.
Huddleston, Rodney, & Pullum, Geoffrey K. The Cambridge Grammar of the English Language. Cambridge University Press, 2002.
Collins, Peter, & Hollo, Deryn. English Grammar: Understanding the Basics. 3rd ed. McGraw-Hill Education, 2007.