MOOD & VOICE

MOOD
English has 3 moods:

1. INDICATIVE is used for both a
statement e.g. You are reading this book. and, a
question e.g. Will you reread it?

2. SUBJUNCTIVE is used when something is possible but not actual e.g.
If I were a blackbird I’d whistle and sing.

The subjunctive causes little trouble in English. It does not matter if the indicative is used in its place. You can write, “If I was a blackbird…” if you prefer BUT don’t use the subjunctive when you don’t need one: If in doubt, don’t.

3. IMPERATIVE is used to give an order e.g.
Hurry up. Come here.


VOICE
English verbs have 2 voices:

1. ACTIVE e.g. Shu Zi read the book.
2. PASSIVE e.g. The book was read by Shu Zi.

For most strong writing, the active is the better choice though it can seem harsh in some contexts. The passive is always longer, less direct, and often, more gentle as it can be useful to convey certain shades of meaning e.g.

The judge would not grant him a reprieve sounds as though the judge was merciless.
He was not granted a reprieve by the judge imply that he did not deserve one.

The intended meaning dictates which voice is appropriate in each context.