If I _____ the principal, I'd start school later in the day so students could sleep in, Bernardo thought.
Which of these correctly forms the subjunctive mood?
A) was
B) were
C) had been
D) would have been
I think it might b or c.
Study the linked page I gave you in your first post.
Then let us know what you decide.
Right!
Thank you so much!
You're welcome!
its b
To determine which option correctly forms the subjunctive mood in the given sentence, we need to understand the concept of the subjunctive mood and how it is expressed.
The subjunctive mood is used to express fictional or hypothetical situations, wishes, possibilities, or conditions that are contrary to the fact or are uncertain. In English, the subjunctive form is usually formed by using the base form of the verb (infinitive) without the -s or -es endings typically used in the indicative mood.
In the given sentence, Bernardo is imagining a hypothetical situation where he would be the principal and making a suggestion for starting school later. This situation is contrary to the current reality.
Now let's analyze the options:
A) "was" - This is the past tense form of the verb "to be" in indicative mood. It does not convey the hypothetical or contrary-to-fact nature of the sentence, so it does not correctly form the subjunctive mood.
B) "were" - This is the past subjunctive form of the verb "to be." It is used to express hypothetical or contrary-to-fact situations, making it the correct choice for forming the subjunctive mood in this sentence.
C) "had been" - This is the past perfect tense form of the verb "to be" in indicative mood. It is used to express a past completed action or state, not a hypothetical situation. Therefore, it does not correctly form the subjunctive mood.
D) "would have been" - This is a conditional construction in the past perfect tense, not the subjunctive mood. It is used to talk about unreal past conditions or hypothetical outcomes, not to form the subjunctive mood.
Based on this analysis, the correct answer in this case is B) "were."