The Subjunctive in English - Complete Advanced English Grammar Lesson

[@EnglishwithLucy]

If I was OR if I were? I suggest he come OR I suggest he comes? Click here for the special offer on The Advanced Grammar Challenge: bit.ly/SAVEGrammar (time limited!) 📊 *FIND OUT YOUR ENGLISH LEVEL!* _Take my level test here_ 👉🏼 bit.ly/EnglishLevelTest12 👩🏼‍🏫 *JOIN MY ONLINE ENGLISH COURSES:* englishwithlucy.teachable.com/courses - _We have launched our B1 and B2 Complete English Programmes!_

[@aaronyim829]

☂️Thank lucy🕊

[@mederic394]

thanks a lot gorgious Lucy🙂

[@Aitoharper]

Really you learned many people how to speak English

[@alaminsheikh9130]

Good

[@kidanuwendwesen8927]

It is Very interesting presentation. Thank you very much!

[@nadineee_12]

This lesson is absolutely on advanced level. I thought that I was already fluent, but after watching this video, I realized I have to dig deep into advanced grammar lessons to really achieve my dream level. Thank you so much! I wish there were more videos like this!

[@annapa5152]

Me too! The same feelings about this video :) My level is quite high but you as we can see: you live and learn!

[@nadineee_12]

@@annapa5152 we really don’t know everything, so we should keep learning everyday! Goodluck on our journey!! ❤️

[@annapa5152]

@@nadineee_12 Couldn't agree more! Thanks!🤩

[@caroditsky]

Not understanding these concepts doesn’t mean that you aren’t fluent. Fluency means you can express yourself and understand efficiently, not that you have no errors. Many native speakers do not even know the subjunctive exists.

[@gabrielkind2970]

As an english speaker learning Spanish, this was incredibly helpful. It's used a lot in Spanish, but was completely invisible to me in english until you pointed it out.

[@Blaqjaqshellaq]

Another example of the subjunctive in English is "may" and "might," the respective subjunctive forms of "can" and "could." People use "May I..." when asking for permission, as in "May I open the window?" ("Can I open the window?" literally means "Am I strong enough to open the window?" though many people say this instead of "May I," particularly children.) "May" is also used in the "volitive subjunctive" to express a wish, as in "May you live to the age of 100!" "Lest" is also used with negative subjunctives: "lest it be lost" means "so that it will not be lost" And it's also used with the EXTREMELY rare negative volitive subjunctive--"Lest we forget," which means "May we remember," is the language's only example of this. Another subjunctive expression I like is "On your head be it!" (Which means "If things go wrong, let it be YOUR responsibility!")

[@Blaqjaqshellaq]

A bit more about "may" and "might": "It may not happen" means "I don't know that it will happen." "It may happen" means "I don't know that it won't happen." "It may or may not happen" means "I don't know whether it will happen." "It may not have happened" means "I don't know that it happened. "It might not happen" means "I don't know that it would happen." "It might not have happened" means "I don't know that it would have happened."

[@RobertBee-fs8hv]

Right on. I'm a American English speaker and American English speakers will always say, "Can I open the window" when they mean "may I open the window" If some one said, "May i open the window, their listeners would roll their eyes . Nobody says it that way in America

[@lmusima3275]

I’m a native speaker of English and I’m reviewing advanced Italian subjunctive moods. I suggested your videos to my friends learning English

[@YuriNg-fy3iw]

I am not a native speaker, but I found this topic absolutely essy to understand and useful.

[@19562008ful]

Living in Québec city, I don't get to speak English every day but your videos help me a lot to keep in touch with the language of Shakespeare. You're doing a great job Mademoiselle, keep up the good work.

[@CatoRenasci]

Very nice. While the subjunctive is indeed falling out of daily use, it is impossible for one to be considered an educated native speaker without mastery of the subjective.

[@cookieguy1324]

Crazy how i've been using Subjunctive in english, even though I have never learnt it or heard of it. Just learnt it off other people talking.

[@pablo8524]

Me too

[@alpertortop]

Teşekkürler.

[@EnglishwithLucy]

thank you so much 9

[@paulabulaun6749]

Thank you so much, Ma'am! Hats off to your effective teaching skills. Sending love from the Republic of the Philippines! ❤️

[@katiescarlett3489]

I speak English natively but I am here because I am strengthening my Spanish. Thank you for these videos.

[@dympulls]

YAY! You covered one of my FAVOURITE grammatical topics I love to teach English learners of Spanish. I wish more English teachers would teach this to English learners!

[@jockmoron]

I am English and have spoken it for 76yrs, and written it for 72 years. But the subjunctive does catch one out occasionally. As you say, the subjunctive mood seems to be lapsing in spoken English, and seems to be more ignored in writing too. But I am old enough to complain that English, like, as she is "spoke" nowadays is,, like, deteriorating anyway. But your diction is perfect and you explain the grammar very well, useful confirmation that my old fashioned ways still have some utility.

[@juancastillotorres7711]

Lucy, thank you for being my teacher for about five years. I've learned a lot from you.

[@ct7931]

Yessss, my favourite topic !!! I wish we were taught more about that at school, since it sounds elegant and it is quite rewarding when you manage to place it in a conversation. I thought I knew quite a lot already but you proved me wrong. I did learn some new expressions. Heaven forbid the subjunctive actually fall out of use !

[@MsSpiffz]

Watching this as I would find it SO much easier to understand Portuguese grammar, the language I'm learning, if I knew what we do in English!

[@sgsg9251]

I found this lesson excellent for exam preparation C1- C2 as a English teacher, to be honest. Thank you ever so much,Lucy! Well done, you!😄🧡

[@EnglishwithLucy]

Thank you so much ❤️🤗

[@ezozbek6652]

@@EnglishwithLucy l love you beautiful teacher.I would like some girl who is smillar you

[@walaawaloya8973]

@@EnglishwithLucy Hello teacher. I hope u answer my question please😢 When we want to describe an animal in English test ( I mean Duolingo English test) . Can we use he and she for animals instead of it? For instance, he for puppy and she for kitten!! Please I need an answer 😔😔😔😔😔

[@jathebest2835]

@@ezozbek6652 Give up your high standard.. Trust me, I know it's impossible😂

[@contactpjoshi123]

I often watch your videos. It's a learning video but I want to make a comment - I can't decide what is more beautiful - You, or Your way of speaking.

[@mairenared]

Well done Lucy, you have explained a complex issue in a simple and straighforward way. Many native English speakers do not understand the use of the subjunctive in English so it must be even harder for people learning English as a second language. Sadly, judging from the number of people who say, "If I was you", the subjunctive seems to be disappearing from common use in English. This lesson is a timely reminder of its importance.

[@manuelgordillo520]

It has been the best class of subjunctives so far. Short and sweet. Stop beating around the bush. Good job. Congratulations.

[@tasfiatahsin9848]

Please make more of these advanced grammar lesson videos. They're really helpful and thanks for this lesson. 😘

[@antejl7925]

Flawless attention to detail from Miss Lucy. Well done.

[@artasticme777]

I really fancy the subjunctive mood as it has a classy, refined personality and wish to learn that style of speech 💖 even if it isn't common. I wish to learn more of this type from Lucy ✨

[@user-no2mz9hl4f]

Very well written, indeed!

[@kittycat-t1w]

subjunctive mood has a refined personality 🤣🤣

[@alexotenko6597]

Awesome! I remembered the use of "were" with any subject, but recently I noticed the native speakers didn't use it, so i started to doubt if my understanding was correct. Thank you for the lecture!

[@jenniferbate9682]

You’re right. I can vouch for that! My ear just doesn’t like some examples of the subjunctive. Maybe because I just got used to the wrong grammar?

[@إسحاقالشيباني]

"Never have I seen such an amazing teacher as you, Lucy. I have been studying such things for more time than I can count; however, no sooner had I watched this video than everything that was complicated became simple to me.I love you! ❤"

[@David.Isaac.147]

I'm a native English speaker and I find this extremely confusing 😂

[@celineclt1194]

I think it's normal: I'm a native French speaker and the subjunctive often confuses me in French 😅

[@AmaniRebbouh]

​@@celineclt1194 me tooo 😂😅

[@elinks9358]

Hi Lucy, Thank you for the B2 and C1 lesson on the subjunctive mood. When I was in primary school, i learned that "the basic form" is called "the infinitive without to".

[@lockheadmaverick489]

A very cool teacher. Speaks clearly, not too fast and easily.

[@thepurplesmurf]

Kinda the job of a teacher, isn't it?! 😜

[@katykelly4375]

Hello Lucy, I love your videos! I am a Spanish teacher and a few years ago I showed my class a video that you and a man made together, it was a skit where you were speaking only in subjunctive sentences, you were married and kind of talking off to the side for the viewers. I cannot find it now, I love it and want to show it to high school Spanish students. Could you please direct me to the video? Thank you.

[@whichtd]

she doesnt send anything XD

[@musmes.67]

Hi Lucy. Thanks for the last new video. It was interesting, yet I didn't really catch the common phrases of subjunctive. If only it were a little bit more explained. I will review the video trying to understand and to memorise them.

[@ElioMD]

I wrote this on Instagram but in case it wasn't sent, could you please do a video on KZbin concerning habitual actions? When to use would/will for emphasis, present/past continuous for annoying habits and so on, we're currently having this as a lesson. Your way of teaching is always fascinating.

[@Hbkeducationalcomplex]

Usually we use SHALL for first person, but if first person shows any kind of intention in the sentence SHALL is changed into WILL, as We shall play cricket, but We will play cricket at any condition (intention is being showed here, therefore, Shall changed into Will)

[@historylover3018]

Being advanced in a language doesn't only feel expert and scholar.. I think it looks very delicious also. Thanks, Lucy!

[@drmichaelshea]

I am so thankful for English-speaking people who speak English - and also for those who speak British.

[@Wissal-577]

She is one of the best teachers ever

[@vectorpunchclub]

Thanks for lesson! It was great!! Continue doing that way and people can study the English with love, interests and passion!!! Thanks!!! 😁👍

[@kittycat-t1w]

On the surface, English seems like an easy language to learn, but the more you dive into it, the more you realise how complicated and tricky (and of course how beautiful😃) it can be.

[@warrenberckmann3509]

In many cases, using "that" either expressed or implied is a key to the subjunctive mood. Unfortunately, in English, "that" is dropped so that it's more difficult to recognize the subjunctive.

[@clincpb8903]

No it is not " that " that makes the subjunctive but the verb or expression used in the first part of the sentence.

[@Musician-Lee]

Lucy, I got top marks in English at school in the 1960s, but never really understood the subjunctive. I think I used it instinctively. Your simple-to-understand explanations have been a revelation to me. Thank you so much!

[@jordansikes8594]

I am a native English speaker that speaks fluent Spanish. I never knew that the subjunctive also exists in my own native language until I was forced to learn it in Spanish. I wonder if anyone else has had a similar experience.

[@lightbearer972]

I'm a native speaker of American English who also learned Spanish. Ever since I learned the subjunctive in Spanish, I've been really careful to use the subjunctive correctly in English. I never say "If I was you," etc.

[@vanuzamacedosimone757]

I’m Brazilian and I’ve been learning English for years. The subjunctive in my language is completely different 😂 so it’s a similar experience.

[@alana8992]

With English as my second language, I also didn't realize the subjunctive was a thing in English (even though I used some forms of it like "if I were...". Even in my native language (Dutch) the subjunctive has completely faded away in everyday conversation (even more so than in English, you'll only find it in older and formal speech or religious context). The fact that there actually do exist rules about it stunned me, it sounds very unusual. I also found out about the subjunctive through French and Spanish.

[@marcocisneros8643]

In these long four years of learning English I've never ever heard anyone say ''I suggested he stop eating out so often if he wants to save money'', I think it would sound more natural to say in the indicacative like, ''I told him to stop eating if he wants to save money'', I believe here you're expresing the same thing.

[@abdelazizaitlahcen4105]

This lesson was eye-popping and splendid ❤❤❤❤

[@englishcakewalk8332]

Listening constantly to good English, understanding and repeating it followed by using/speaking it in real life situations day in and day out can enable a learner to speak the language fluently and effortlessly.

[@Zara-kx2qv]

I'd like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me understand the subjunctives completely! It's as clear as daylight now! All confusions gone! Thanks again!!! -Lots of love from an IGCSE student!

[@lroche3262]

I love the way you always rescue the classic or old terms in English to make us sound more elegant ❤️

[@paulolima9762]

Thanks Lucy your English is beautiful really really beautiful!

[@enriqueb6194]

Wow! Beatiful explanation, thank you very much Lucy! it is nice to see a lot of people still looking for keeping the beauty of english, great job!

[@AndreCarneiro666]

The most complete explanation about this subject I've ever seen. Thanks again!

[@eclecticeccentrickamikaze6526]

Question regarding past subjunctive? @ 3:45 - "I wish she were here". We use "were" when we talk at present time. therefore shouldn't the past subjunctive be referred to as "had been" instead of "were"? @ 4:09 - "He looked straight through me as if I had been invisible" instead of "He looked straight through me as if I were invisible"

[@meymk5669]

Were implies that an action is already completed as it is simple past, but had been implies that an action was going on in the said period of the past when it is used in the past perfect continuous tense

[@lucamaggi5284]

Thanks Lucy for these goodies!! Often happen to need it! Cheers from Italy

[@gregoriussudaryono260]

Thanks so much for explaining the complicated English subjects. Great... 🙏 7:51

[@satyavivekanandbattula1091]

Waiting for this Session. Thanks lucy 😊 .

[@anggasunarya6413]

Beautiful teacher,, I like learn English speaking if a teacher beautiful like her😚😚

[@mardisiswanto7610]

Clearly explanation of the Subjunctive. Thanks so much, dear teacher.

[@osamaeldenawy7352]

good teacher

[@fatmabetul818]

I am loving these advanced lessons 💙

[@zekunli5509]

谢谢！thank you

[@EnglishwithLucy]

thank you so much!!

[@Tweeteketje]

Ah lovely, I've learnt a lot! We have the subjunctive mood also in Dutch, but the vast majority has no clue.

[@Orincaby]

Even the conjugation tables on Wiktionary say “obsolete”

[@umaraatiku7392]

To me, this the mother of all lessons you did previously

[@sebastianmartinescu1987]

Fabulous lesson, Lucy! Like ALL your lessons, in fact. Clear, concise, to the point... I finally begin to understand this very difficult mood for a foreigner. May you be blessed! •Have I used the Subjunctive correctly, by any chance?

[@sheilasamoah4170]

Hello Lucy please why you wont replying me my request🥺🥺😥😥😢😢. Sorry my english is not goodd

[@mothersblessinghomeopathic7619]

Thanks a lot from the sanctuary of my heart,Madam

[@Espiritu_de_Obiwon]

English speaker here, never heard of subjunctive till I started learning spanish. It's certainly more obvious that sub is used in Spanish than English to say the least. Question for anyone who wants to answer though, if 'be' is replaced in the sentence example she gave with is( it is important that she be given priority to it is important that is given priority), would it still be subjunctive; I'm assuming so...

[@zachariaszut]

6:24 'Far be it from me to tell anyone what to do'. How to say it though, is another kettle of fish. Cheers.

[@bmilano1580]

You make me understand the French version of it now! Thanks!

[@鬱鬱-e2w]

So quaint

[@LauraBustos-t1d]

You don´t know hoy relevant and important was everything on this video, thank you and I appreciate every knowledge from this video

[@ElisabetaPasc]

That got my son to get greater depth in SAts Thanks

[@randyugno4955]

Gotcha again. Thanks for being so generous madam Lucy.

[@hasanzahidi5875]

Lovely video lesson from a lovely teacher! I really loved the phrases with the subjunctive ❤ Thank you so much madam

[@darkdelphin834]

I'm a foreign speaker and at school we never learnt about subjunctive in english. In my native language which is greek we have the subjunctive. I was a bit weirded out when I first heard "I wish I were" or "he/she/it were" at school. They never mentioned the subjunctive at school, we just were told that sometimes you can use were and it's not wrong. I'm a bit fascinated that after so long I see why this happened since I just kind of learnt to use it from hearing natives using it and sounding natural. Mind blown!

[@sagandamadam3396]

Tq Lucy 4 this online english programme it's incredible and really useful subjunctive grammar lesson for those who is really eager to improved their English into next advance level Tq again I felt I owe u lots as I didn't pay you anything

[@emerson3853]

Very important, tricky but so beautifully presented. Thank you, outstanding teacher.

[@uliwehner]

@English with Lucy, i have to agree with you, i really don't need to, but i feel compelled. In german the subjunctive is also falling out of use. A shame really. Nobody reads good (as in well written language) books anymore. I they were, this wouldn't be problem. I recommend reading Patrick Suesskind, Das Parfum, in german, if you can. Another structure that is falling out of use in American English is the passive voice. And we germans LOVE the passive voice.

[@gabriellagirardi4741]

This great lesson has helped me a lot wit the subjunctive tense. Thank you very much

[@raquelluzi6265]

You’re so cute, Lucy! I love the blooper at the end. 😂 I am in the CELTA course and I watch you for help with grammar. I’ve been speaking English my whole life and I am clueless when it comes to grammar. I love your videos. ❤

[@clau_sing_]

I took the CELTA as well :)

[@bluefanta7668]

I like the subjunctive mood. I comes across formal and it shortens a lots of sentences.

[@pradeepranawana7067]

Great lesson. Thank you very much.

[@MohamedAli-rd7rn]

Whew the lesson is remarkably super extraordinary and eloquent!! I love it so much!!! It is subag as we say somali expression.!!

[@Yohann_Rechter_De-Farge]

Thankyou very much respected madam 🌹🌹

[@Dineshyoutube123]

I am watching from Nepal . I like your videos too much.

[@DiSu.BuDhan3]

Desperately waiting for this lesson, Lucy ma'am 🙏❤️❤️

[@alsadekalkhayer7007]

Thiw lesson is a gem, thank you

[@antoniomartinazzo5847]

Thank you so much Lucy. This video is beautifully made and so helpful to me.

[@مروانالشيخي-ي7ز]

Thanks Lucy.. It is really useful..

[@tareklahlouh1832]

Good evening Lucy I have been learning from your lessons since becoming teacher ,would be really grateful if we dealt with some language points if possible

[@akunbaru2657]

Good explanation of the subjunctive. Thank you.

[@dmitriylee8925]

Session is over, Lucy is the best!

[@lingerwithlinda5873]

Is anyone like me really miss Lucy’s dancing in the end of video as old version?🥰😎

[@paulfaulkner6299]

The past subjunctive is derived modally with "WERE TO + infinitive" (just like USED TO + infinitive gives the imperfect) (except with to be)

[@Niinsa62]

I am Swedish, and in Swedish we have this too. And it seems to be going out of fashion here too. So I get the general idea. But this is so helpful, how to use it in English!

[@FranciscoRojas-lz3eb]

Hi. Greetings it was a good class. Thanks a lot

[@abolfazlabouali5084]

Thanks for describing one of the best grammar in English. I like it.💙💙❤❤

[@easyenglishedutv3555]

Many thanks, I always enjoy your lessons in English, it improves my teaching knowledge as a teacher of the language.

[@ashikihsan1946]

Oh thank you so much Luy for your Advanced English Grammar Lessons. It is really important for me to use when I speak or write English. Lucy, my question I use the word to after these words like important, suggest, for example She suggests me to do that? I guess as you taught me Lucy, the correct sentence is She suggests me do that. I'm hoping to buy your Advanced English Grammar Books Lucy, but unfornately I'm in financial difficulty. I will try to buy it soon Lucy.

[@ElisabetaPasc]

This got my son greater depth in Sat Thanks

[@DestwokeysT]

Everyone reading this comment, please keep on pushing in life and never give up. Can't wait to see you successful one day and may God always bless you with happiness!!! AMEN

[@csracencio]

Gracias Lucy por la clase, muy interesante!!

[@marcind-ec1de]

I thought the subjunctive mood would be something extremely difficult to learn and understand but after seeing the video it turned out I already knew how and when to use those structures, I only didn't know that they're called so.

[@newloggers]

Hello Lucy :) Thanks a lot for the lesson. Well, the subjunctive is one of the grammar topics that I hate in other languages. For example; in French, it can be a catastrophe. It seems it is much easier in English. Thanks again. Wishing you an amazing weekend already. Greetings from Türkiye :) ( Çağlar)

[@julienbee3467]

Even French people make mistakes when using subjonctive

[@EdgardoPlasencia]

In English , it's much easier. Try Spanish.

[@Blaqjaqshellaq]

Do any Frenchmen still use the imperfect subjunctive tense? (Certainly not in everyday speech...)

[@julienbee3467]

@@Blaqjaqshellaq only to sound funny

[@nikitamahato6737]

Hello,I would like to hear from you about dropping r in pronunciations .I follow your pronunciations of words but I do get confused sometimes . Thank u

[@karlkenny-p8v]

As a English speaker who’s learning French I thought it would be a good idea to try to understand this tense, It’s complicated

[@ramamoorthyshanmugam1730]

It was very useful Lucy, thank you