Editor's Corner

”When the moon is in the Seventh House
And Jupiter aligns with Mars
Then peace will guide the planets
And love will steer the stars…”

This is the dawning of the Age of Aquarius!

Okay, not really. But I feel like something in my life is aligned! Today’s subject is from the moon of an email, the planet of a coworker who speaks French fluently, and love steering the stars of a song I heard on the radio last weekend. The song wasn’t the “Age of Aquarius”; it was the 1985 Thompson Twins song “King for a Day.” It was playing on the radio, and when it got to the chorus (“If I was king for just one day”) I frustratedly shouted, “If I were king for just one day!” My husband just laughed at me.

So, let me get to the point of these alignments in song, foreign language, and internet articles: the subjunctive. The subjunctive is a mood.

From Word Smarts:

This verb form is used for potential and hypothetical situations, including when wishing for something that doesn’t exist yet. In these wishful contexts, “were” is the past-tense conjugation of “to be” you’re looking for.

KC – For example:

· I wish I were independently wealthy.

· I wish I were queen for just one day.

· I would be the happiest person alive if I were able to have at least five big-headed, loving dogs.

If and when such a situation should come to pass, however, “was” is correct when mentioning it.

KC – For example:

• I am glad I was independently wealthy when I was younger.
• I was queen—for just one day.
• I was the happiest person alive when I was the owner of five big-headed, loving dogs

So next time you’re blowing out birthday candles and making a wish, try using the subjunctive (in your head—if you say it out loud, it might not come true). “I wish I were able to fly.” Then, as soon as you can do it, you can change your phrasing: “I’m glad I was able to fly.” Excellent job!

Kara Church | Technical Editor, Advisory | KE – Documentation

Pronouns: she/her | Call via Teams | jackhenry.com

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