We know that when it comes to verbs we have a lot to learn, don't we? Well, one of the characteristics that relate to this grammatical class are the inflections, that is, the changes that occur in them when they are conjugated – one of them is the mode inflection.
Thus, we have three modes: the indicative mode, the subjunctive and the imperative mode. Yes, it seems to be easy, but just knowing how to classify them is not enough, as we also have to understand why they are so called. Not only when dealing with this subject, but with several others related to our language, we must always question the reason for one concept or the other. Rest assured that when we act like this, everything becomes easier, and the possibility of not forgetting what we have learned is much greater. So how about we investigate a little more, huh?
There are three verb modes: indicative, subjunctive and imperative
* Indicative mode – Why?
This mode concerns a process, an action – taken as real, true. Let's look at some examples:
Patricia likes to walk.
we have the verb like it is conjugated in the present tense in the indicative way.
The tour was unforgettable.
Now the verb is conjugated in the perfect tense of the indicative mood, that is, referring to something that has already occurred.
* Subjunctive mode – What is the reason for being so called?
The subjunctive mode is one in which there is no certainty whether the verbal action will happen or not, that is, it can actually take place, depending on the desire of the sender (the person who speaks), or not. Note the following examples:
If I got that gift I would be very happy.
We realized that the issuer is not sure if he will actually win the gift or not. Therefore, we say that the verb to win it is found conjugated in the past perfect tense of the subjunctive mood.
I hope you will be my friend forever.
Here we have a wish revealed by the issuer: that a certain person remains forever his (a) friend. In this way, we can affirm that the verb to be is conjugated in the present tense in an indicative way.
* Imperative Mode – Why “imperative”?
The imperative mode is characterized by an order, a request or even an advice. How about we check some cases?
My son, go to the bedroom and bring the photographs.
We note that this is an order given to the child. In this sense, we say that the verb go is found in the affirmative imperative.
Son, be very careful crossing the street.
In this case, it is an advice given to the child, in the sense that he should always be careful. Therefore, we affirm that the verb to have it is conjugated in the affirmative imperative mode.
By Vânia Duarte
Graduated in Letters
