How to pronounce subjunctive
American English pronunciation
sub-JUNK-tiv
- IPA
- /səbˈdʒʌŋktɪv/
- Syllables
- sub · JUNK · tiv (3 syllables, stress on the 2nd)
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What subjunctive means
The verb form for wishes and make-believe, as in if I were you
In a sentence: Our teacher explained that "if I were a bird" uses the subjunctive, because it isn't real.
Where it comes from: It comes from a Latin word meaning joining or adding on. Its parts mean under and join.
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