Mood-modus,indicative,definition - Parts Of Speech-ESL/Learn English Grammar

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MOOD


[Sidenote: _Definition._]

213. The word _mood_ is from the Latin _modus_, meaning _manner_, _way_, _method_. Hence, when applied to verbs,--

Mood means the manner of conceiving and expressing action or being of some subject.


[Sidenote: _The three ways._]

214. There are three chief ways of expressing action or being:--

(1) As a fact; this may be a question, statement, or assumption.

(2) As doubtful, or merely conceived of in the mind.

(3) As urged or commanded.



INDICATIVE MOOD


[Sidenote: _Deals with facts._]

215. The term _indicative_ is from the Latin _indicare_ (to declare,
or assert). The indicative represents something as a fact,--

[Sidenote: _Affirms or denies._]

(1) _By declaring a thing to be true or not to be true_; thus,--

     Distinction _is_ the consequence, never the object, of a great
     mind.--ALLSTON.

     I _do not remember_ when or by whom I _was taught_ to read;
     because I _cannot_ and never _could recollect_ a time when I
     _could not read_ my Bible.--D. WEBSTER.

[Sidenote: _Assumed as a fact._]

[Sidenote: _Caution._]

(2) _By assuming a thing to be true_ without declaring it to be so.
This kind of indicative clause is usually introduced by _if_ (meaning
_admitting that, granting that_, etc.), _though, although_, etc.
Notice that the action is not merely conceived as possible; it is
assumed to be a fact: for example,--

     If the penalties of rebellion hung over an unsuccessful contest;
     if America was yet in the cradle of her political existence; if
     her population little exceeded two millions; if she was without
     government, without fleets or armies, arsenals or magazines,
     without military knowledge,--still her citizens had a just and
     elevated sense of her rights.--A. HAMILTON.

(3) _By asking a question to find out some fact_; as,--

     Is private credit the friend and patron of industry?--HAMILTON.

     With respect to novels what shall I say?--N. WEBSTER.


[Sidenote: _Definition._]

216 .The indicative mood is that form of a verb which represents a
thing as a fact, or inquires about some fact.


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