가정법(subjunctive mood)은 조건, 바람, 의심, 요구 등을 표현합니다. 특히 'it is essential/crucial/vital that + S + (should) + 동사원형' 구조와 'were + to + 동사원형' 구조가 공식적 맥락에서 자주 쓰입니다.

• •요구/필요 표현: It is essential that each team member be informed immediately.
• •형식적 가정: Were the situation to deteriorate, we would escalate our response.
• •As if/as though + 가정법 과거: He speaks as if he were the sole authority.
• •lest + 가정법: We must act now lest the situation worsen.