The subjunctive mood is a verb form used to express wishes, hypothetical situations, or actions that are not certain to happen. It often appears in sentences that convey desires, suggestions, or conditions contrary to fact. For example, in the sentence "If I were a bird," the verb "were" indicates a situation that is not real. In English, the subjunctive is most commonly found in specific phrases, such as "I wish that" or "It is important that." While it is less frequently used than in some other languages, understanding the subjunctive mood can enhance clarity in expressing uncertainty or desire in communication.