Advanced Placement (AP) English Literature Practice Exam

Which choice best describes the indicative mood in English?

1. A mood that expresses wishes

2. A mood that states actions as facts

3. A mood used to give commands

4. A rare mood used for conditional statements

The correct answer is: A mood that states actions as facts

The indicative mood in English is best described as a mood that states actions as facts. This means that sentences in the indicative mood present information that is factual, declarative, or assertive. For example, saying "The sky is blue" or "She writes daily" conveys clear statements about reality, making the indicative mood essential for expressing statements that describe actions, events, or characteristics. This differs from other moods in English. The subjunctive mood, for instance, is used to express wishes or hypotheticals, while the imperative mood is utilized for commands or requests. Additionally, conditional statements often use the subjunctive or other structures to explore situations that depend on certain conditions rather than merely stating facts. Thus, understanding the indicative mood as centered on factual statements clarifies its role in English grammar.