Subjunctive

 
 
The word subjunctive comes from Latin, sub meaning under and iungere meaning to join.
This concept might seem a little unfamiliar to some. Just remember that this is not really theoretical, useless grammar, but usage: how we use language in our everyday life, how the ancient Greeks used it in theirs. If we want to understand the finer points of other people's thoughts, if we want to express ourselves so that other people can get our precise meaning, then we've got to come to terms with the fact that different people have different ways of expressing facts, thoughts, feelings..... It does not mean that their way of using language is better than ours, but it certainly isn't worse either. Just different.

I say this	and	you understand
I say this	but	you don't listen

 
Both parts of these sentences are joined together, directly, on the same level. They are independent of each other. And they both indicate, state facts:

• Fact: I say this, I really do.
• Fact: You understand, you really do.
• Fact: But you don't listen, you really do not!

Both parts are still joined, but the second "you should know" is not a statement of fact, but is dependent on my telling you something first: so it comes under my command, order, wish, instruction.

In Greek indicative mood is used for the statement of FACT, while subjunctive mood is always dependent on certain conditions, influences, never ever ever expressly states a simple, straightforward fact.

What do I mean by that?