Verb Moods

The word "mood" indicates the mode or manner in which the Verb is used in a sentence. It drived from a Latin word "Modus" means a manner. There are Four Moods in English;

1. The Indicative Mood.
2. The Imperative Mood.
3. The Infinitive Mood.
4. The Subjective Mood.

Let us deal with these Moods one by one.

Indicative Mood

It is used to make a Positive or Negative statement, or to ask a question.

Examples:

1. We like eggs.
2. She did not tell a lie.
3. How are you?
4. What is this?

It is also used to express any supposition which can be proven as a fact in future.

Examples:

1. If it rains, I shall stay at Bank.

Imperative Mood

It is used to express a command, a piece of advice or a request; as,

1. Sit down.
2. Do not tell a lie.
3. Have mercy upon us.

Infinitive Mood

It is used to name an action, and is not limited by Time, Number or Person; as,

1. I want to sit here.
2. To err is human, to forgive, divine.

The word "to" is generally used before the verb in the infinitive mood, but it is omitted in the following;

• After see, behold, hear, feel, bid, wake, need, dare and know, when used as principal verb (in the Active Voice); as,
  1. I see him go to school every day.
  2. Behold the sun rise.
  3. He bade me sit still.
  4. You need not wait for us.
• After better and but followed by do, except, than, would rather and help; as,
  1. Better lose a penny than a pound.
  2. She did nothing but cry.
  3. We would rather die than beg.
  4. I could do everything for you except tell a lie.

Subjunctive Mood

It is used to state something as a condition, wish, desire, purpose or supposition, and does not make a statement; as,

1. Would that I were in Karachi today.
2. I wish that we were rich.
3. Were he here, he would do it.
4. If he have anything, he will give it to you.

• She talks as if she were mad.

The Subjective Mood is scarcely being used now a days.