Learn English – the difference between ‘Conditionals’ & ‘Subjunctive mood’

conditional-constructionssubjunctives

Do both conditionals and Subjunctive mood overlap each other at some point or are they just different concepts?

For example: If we started now we would be in time. (subjunctive mood)

The above sentence is also a 2nd type conditional. So I was wondering, what is the difference between both concepts ?

Best Answer

To answer your questions:

  1. Do both conditionals and subjunctive mood overlap each other at some point?
    Yes, they do. Both the second and third conditional overlap with the subjunctive mood and its unreal state.

  2. What is the difference between a second or third conditional and subjunctive mood?
    While second and third conditionals are only capable of expressing unreal states in the present and the past, respectively; the subjunctive can further express such things as a wish, emotion, opinion, obligation, importance, and so on.

These descriptions can be a bit daunting to parse, so let's take your example and demonstrate them.

  • First Conditional
    If we start now, we'll be on time.
  • Second Conditional (also, subjunctive possibility)
    If we were in a faster car, we would be on time.
  • Third Conditional (also, subjunctive possibility)
    If we had started earlier, we would have been on time.
  • Subjunctive (importance)
    It is imperative that we make it on time.
  • Subjunctive (wish)
    I wish we had started already.
  • Subjunctive judgement & possibility (also, second mixed conditional)
    If she had been here, we could have started already, and would have easily been there on time!
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