What Does the MOOD of a VERB Do for Writers and Readers?
Jeff Anderson, Travis Leech, Melinda Clark · 2023
The subjunctive mood is created when the verb of being was changes to were to show that the statement is a wish, fantasy, or contrary to fact—or at least not probable. Many students confuse passive voice with past tense. Passive voice does contain a past participle; however, past tense and passive voice are not the same thing. Students revise the first sentence of their imitations, attempting to change from active to passive voice. Writers chart their responses side by side. Once the wall chart is filled, discuss the effects of both kinds of sentences and why students think active voice is generally preferred. Straightforward sentences, like most sentences we write without even trying, are in the indicative mood. Every verb in every sentence expresses a mood, which clues you in to the speaker’s disposition toward what he is saying.