indicative
Meaning: The most common verb mood, used to state facts, ask questions, and describe reality, as opposed to expressing wishes or commands.
The indicative mood is the default or unmarked mood in English and most other languages. Virtually all everyday statements and questions are in the indicative. It contrasts with the subjunctive (hypothetical or wished-for situations) and the imperative (commands). Outside grammar, 'indicative' means serving as a sign or indication of something.
Examples
- The sentence 'She speaks three languages' is in the indicative mood, stating a fact. She speaks three languages'使用陈述语气陈述一个事实。La oración 'She speaks three languages' está en modo indicativo, pues expone un hecho.「She speaks three languages」という文は、事実を述べる直説法である。She speaks three languages'라는 문장은 사실을 진술하는 직설법이다.
- Most English verb forms are indicative, making it the mood learners encounter first and most frequently. 英语的大多数动词形式是陈述语气,因此这是学习者最先且最频繁接触到的语气。La mayoría de las formas verbales del inglés son indicativas, lo que convierte a este en el modo que los estudiantes encuentran primero y con mayor frecuencia.英語の動詞形式の大半は直説法であり、学習者が最初に、そして最も頻繁に出会う法である。영어 동사 형태의 대부분은 직설법이며, 학습자가 가장 처음, 그리고 가장 자주 접하는 법이다.
- The indicative is distinguished from the subjunctive primarily in formal or literary contexts. 陈述语气主要在正式或文学语境中与虚拟语气加以区分。El indicativo se distingue del subjuntivo principalmente en contextos formales o literarios.直説法が仮定法と区別されるのは、主に格式ばった文章や文学的な文脈においてである。직설법이 가정법과 구별되는 것은 주로 격식체 문장이나 문학적 맥락에서이다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academic, education
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Latin indicativus (stating, declaring), from indicare (to point out, to declare), from in- (towards) and dicare (to proclaim). Used as a grammatical term in English since the 15th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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