What does the subjunctive mood express?

The subjunctive mood expresses imagined or potential actions or states, reflecting situations that are not necessarily factual or real but are possible, hypothetical, or wished for. It allows speakers to convey feelings, desires, or conditions contrary to fact. For instance, in the sentence "If I were a bird, I would fly," the use of "were" indicates a scenario that is not true but is being imagined.

Understanding the subjunctive mood is important for grasping how language expresses nuances of reality and possibility. It is distinct from stating facts, as it is not focused on what is, but rather on what could be or what someone wishes to happen. This mood is often used in clauses that begin with "if," "as if," or "wish," emphasizing its role in hypothetical discussions rather than direct assertions or commands.