subjunctive

1520–30; < Late Latin subjunctīvus, equivalent to subjunct(us) (past participle of subjungere to subjoin, equivalent to sub- sub- + jung(ere) to join + -tus past participle suffix) + -īvus -ive

The subjunctive mood of the verb, once used extensively in English, has largely disappeared today. The subjunctive survives, though by no means consistently, in sentences with conditional clauses contrary to fact and in subordinate clauses after verbs like wish: If the house were nearer to the road, we would hear more traffic noise. I wish I were in Florida. The subjunctive also occurs in subordinate that clauses after a main clause expressing recommendation, resolution, demand, etc.: We ask that each tenant take (not takes ) responsibility for keeping the front door locked. It is important that only fresh spinach be (not is ) used. The subjunctive occurs too in some established or idiomatic expressions: So be it. Heaven help us. God rest ye merry, gentlemen. Were in the phrase as it were, meaning “in a way,” is a subjunctive: His apology, as it were, sounded more like an insult.