Subjunctive Mood expresses a wish for something to be different. It is usually formed with “want” and “if only” followed by the desired action. There are others, but this unit only discusses “wish” and “if only.”
Patterns
Past Event
(Subject + wish + subject + had + verb 3)
(Subject + wish + subject + had not + verb 3)
Present Event
(Subject + wish + subject + verb 2)
(Subject + wish + subject + did not + verb 1)
e.g. I wish there had been enough helmets for 30 students.
(Real Fact: There were not enough helmets for 30 students.)
I wish we had got skilled instructors.
(Real Fact: We did not get skilled instructors.)
We use should/shouldn’t have + past participle to recall regrettable past failures.
Pattern
(Subject + should have + past participle)
e.g.: I shouldn’t have joined the camping program during the peak season.
(Real Fact: I joined the camping program during the peak season.)
I should have checked the description first.
(Real Fact: I did not check the description first.)
