Mood

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Also Known As: mode; el modo in Spanish

Definition: A set of verb forms that indicate the attitude of the speaker toward the likelihood of the action occurring or in some other way.

Both Spanish and English have three verb moods: indicative, subjunctive and imperative. All verbs (other than infinitives, participles and gerunds when used alone) are in one of those moods.

- In both languages, the indicative mood is the "normal" verb form, the one used to make statements of fact.
- The subjunctive mood (not often distinguished in English but common in Spanish) is often used to indicate that something is not factual but is probable, unlikely, hoped for or feared.
- The imperative mood is used to give direct commands.

Examples:

(The highlighted verbs are in the indicative, subjunctive and imperative moods, respectively.)

Isabella sings.
Isabella canta.

I prefer that Isabella sing.
Prefiero que Isabella cante.

Isabella, sing!
Isabella, ¡canta!

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