In my column last week, in reply to a question posed in Jose Carillo’s English Forum, I explained the tough and tricky difference between a subjunctive sentence and a second conditional or unreal ...

“If there were a Form 3, you would have already filled it out.” Reader Jessica had a question about a sentence like this. The speaker already knew about a Form 1 and a Form 2. The existence of Form 3, ...

In my preceding two columns, I explained the difference between a second conditional sentence and a subjunctive sentence, then discussed the maverick behavior of verbs in subjunctive sentences. I ...

Every time I hear someone say, “If I were you” or “I wish I were going,” it always surprises me. When I hear people say things like, “It’s crucial you be there,” I’m even more surprised. Chances are, ...

Imperative sentences that state a prohibition: "Don't enter this one-way street." "Avoid making any noise during the ceremony." Subjunctive mood The subjunctive mood, although it only has ...