Subjunctive Mood

The subjunctive mood in English is used to form sentences that do not describe known objective facts, but rather wishes or hypothetical suppositions. These include statements about one's state of mind, such as opinion, belief, purpose, intention, or desire. The subjunctive mood, such as She suggests that he speak English, contrasts with the indicative mood, which is used for statements of fact, such as He speaks English.

In Modern English, the subjunctive form of a verb often looks identical to the indicative form, and thus subjunctives are not a very visible grammatical feature of English. For most verbs, the only distinct subjunctive form is found in the third person singular of the present tense, where the subjunctive lacks the -s ending: It is necessary that he see a doctor (contrasted with the indicative he sees). The verb be, however, has not only a distinct present subjunctive (be, as in I suggest that he be removed) but also a past subjunctive were (as in If he were rich, ...).

These two tenses of the subjunctive have no particular connection in meaning with present and past time. Terminology varies; sometimes what is called the present subjunctive here is referred to simply as the subjunctive, and the form were may be treated just as an alternative irrealis form of was rather than a past subjunctive.

Another case where present-subjunctive forms are distinguished from indicatives is when they are negated: compare I recommend that they not enter the competition (subjunctive) with I hope that they do not enter the competition (indicative).

Past Subjunctive Mood

The only distinct past subjunctive form in English (i.e., form that differs from the corresponding past indicative) is were, which differs when used with a first or third person singular subject (where the indicative form is was). As with the present subjunctive, the name past subjunctive refers to the form of the verb rather than its meaning; it need not (and in fact usually does not) refer to past time. The main use of the past subjunctive form, were, which is also known as the irrealis is in counterfactual if clauses:

• If I were your wife, I would put poison in your coffee. [Attributed to Lady Astor, speaking to Winston Churchill]

The simple (indicative) past form was is very common in sentences of this type, though the Random House College Dictionary states "Although the [were] subjunctive seems to be disappearing from the speech of many, its proper use is still a mark of the educated speaker." When were is used, an inverted form without if is possible; this is not possible with was.

A common expression involving were is if I were you. The same principles of usage apply to the compound past subjunctive form were to..., which appears in second conditional condition clauses, usually with hypothetical future reference:

• If she were to go... or Were she to go... (equivalent to if she went)

The past subjunctive form may be used similarly to express counterfactual conditions after suppose, as if, as though, unless, imagine etc.

• Suppose that I were there now.
• She looks as though she were going to kill him.
• Try to imagine he were here.
• Try to imagine a tool that** made** that easy for citizens.

There is also the set expression as it were.

The past subjunctive can also be used in some that clauses expressing a wish contrary to fact or unlikely to be fulfilled:

• I wish [that] he were here now.
• If only the door were unlocked.
• I would rather [that] she were released.
• Would that it were true!
• Oh that it were so.

However, the use of the subjunctive with words such as wish is seldom obligatory. The example with would rather can be cast in the present subjunctive, expressing greater confidence that the action is feasible:

• I would rather she be released.

Conditional Sentence

As is typical for many languages, full conditional sentences in English consist of a condition clause or protasis specifying a condition or hypothesis, and a consequence clause or apodosis specifying what follows from that condition. The condition clause is a dependent clause, most commonly headed by the conjunction if, while the consequence is contained in the main clause of the sentence. Either clause may appear first.

Different types of conditional sentences (depending largely on whether they refer to a past, present or future time frame) require the use of particular verb forms (tenses and moods) to express the condition and the consequence. In English language teaching the most common patterns are referred to as first conditional, second conditional and third conditional; there is also a zero conditional and mixed conditional.

C1 | Advanced

C1 is the fifth of six levels in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), sitting between B2 (Upper-Intermediate) and C2 (Proficiency). It's classified as Advanced — the stage where you stop translating in your head and start thinking in English.

What a C1 user can do

At this level, you're expected to handle complex, demanding language across a wide range of situations:

• Reading — You can understand long, complex texts, including specialized articles and technical instructions outside your own field. You pick up on implicit meaning, not just what's stated directly.
• Speaking — You express yourself fluently and spontaneously with minimal searching for words. You use language flexibly for social, academic, and professional purposes.
• Writing — You produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, with controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors, and cohesive devices.
• Listening — You follow extended speech even when it isn't clearly structured or when relationships between ideas are only implied.

What C1 grammar looks like

C1-level grammar goes well beyond accuracy with tenses and articles. You're expected to use advanced structures naturally, including:

• Inversion for emphasis (Rarely have I seen such dedication.)
• Mixed and advanced conditionals (Had she known, she would never have agreed.)
• Subjunctive forms in formal contexts (It's essential that he be informed.)
• Cleft sentences for focus (What concerns me is the timeline.)
• Complex noun phrases and nominalization (The government's repeated failure to act…)

The difference between B2 and C1 isn't just knowing these structures exist — it's using them appropriately and with control across different registers.

Self-check: If you can read an opinion piece in The Guardian or The Economist and follow the argument without a dictionary, and if you can write a structured response disagreeing with it, you're likely operating at C1.

How C1 fits in the CEFR scale

The CEFR has six levels: A1 → A2 → B1 → B2 → C1 → C2. C1 is where most universities and professional bodies set their language requirements for non-native speakers.

Ready to test yourself? Try Pass the Test to Determine Your English CEFR Level or go straight to the C1/C2-level test. You can also practice key C1 structures like Inversion and Conditional Subjunctive.

C2 | Proficiency

C2, also called Proficiency, is the highest level on the CEFR scale. Reaching this level means you can understand and produce English with near-native command — not just accurately, but with nuance, precision, and ease across virtually any context.

What C2 looks like in practice

At this level, you are expected to:

• Understand with ease virtually everything you hear or read, including abstract, structurally complex, or highly colloquial material.
• Express yourself spontaneously and precisely, choosing words that capture finer shades of meaning — even in unfamiliar or high-pressure situations.
• Produce clear, well-structured text on complex subjects, with controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors, and cohesive devices.
• Recognize implicit meaning in demanding, longer texts — picking up on irony, understatement, and unstated assumptions.
• Communicate fluently without noticeable searching for expressions, adapting your register naturally to academic, professional, or informal settings.

How C2 differs from C1

While a C1-level user handles complex language competently, a C2 user does so effortlessly and with subtlety. The difference often shows up in:

• Idiomatic range — C2 users draw on a full repertoire of idiomatic expressions, colloquialisms, and cultural references.
• Precision under pressure — they can reformulate, hedge, or sharpen their point in real time without losing fluency.
• Writing sophistication — their texts read as polished and naturally organized, not just grammatically correct.

In short, C2 is less about learning new grammar rules and more about mastering the flexible, context-sensitive use of everything you already know.

Test your level

If you think you're approaching C2, try one of these challenges to check:

• CEFR C1/Advanced – check if this is your English grammar mastery level
• Pass the Test to Determine Your English CEFR Level

Difficulty: Hard

Hard difficulty. Difficulty levels represent author's opinion about how hard a question or challenge is.