List of subjunctive triggers

Question

Does anyone know if there is a list here or on another site of the various trigger words for subjunctive--those which express doubt, emotion, and influence?

Answer 1

Learning trigger verbs, other parts of speech, or phrases isn't really that great an approach as many of them can be used in either the indicative or subjunctive mood depending on the specific intent of the speaker/author. Recognizing them does help to make you stop and figure out which is needed, however.

Here is an article with a list of subjunctive mood triggers. Similarly, there are phrases or clauses that trigger the indicative mood, but they are harder to find listed.

I voted for your response (although it's not like you need the points). - samdie, Oct 6, 2011

Answer 2

If you do this lesson, 3.1 - When to Use the Subjunctive? W.E.I.R.D.O.!, you will find those "trigger" words you were looking for. Start about minute 4:15 and keep watching.

Answer 3

The entire concept of "triggers" is flawed. It implies that the whole process can be reduced to a set of mechanical rules where, in fact, it depends on the feeling/intention of the speaker. Far better to familiarize yourself with a large number of real-life sentences and imitate them.

P.S. On the other hand, if you're just trying to pass a test in school, by all means, learn the "triggers" that your teacher suggests.

It wasn't for a test. It was for an assignment for which we were to write subjunctive sentences using the trigger words. I simply missed the class during which he gave out the list and it was too long for me to hand copy from my buddy. - LT23NC, Oct 7, 2011