nonindicative

Nonindicative is a term in linguistics used to describe verb forms or clauses that do not assert a factual reality in the world. It stands in contrast to the indicative mood, which is used for everyday statements of fact or belief.

The scope of nonindicative forms varies by language. It commonly includes the imperative mood, used for commands (for example, close the door). It can include the subjunctive or optative moods, used for wishes, hypothetical or counterfactual situations, or nonreal possibilities (for example, if I were rich). Some languages also have hortative or jussive moods to encourage actions, or irrealis forms that mark nonreal conditions. In many languages, mood and modality interact with tense and aspect.

Functional considerations: Nonindicative forms convey illocutionary force, such as commands, wishes, or hypotheticals, rather than plain assertion. They can be obligatory or optional depending on syntax and discourse. In linguistic typology, nonindicative is often treated as a broad category alongside indicative; in some grammars, the term non-declarative is preferred.

Cross-linguistic variation and analysis: Because moods other than the indicative are not present in all languages, the categorization of nonindicative forms can differ. Researchers may describe nonindicative as a cover term for mood categories that express nonfactuality, nonreality, or orient discourse toward other goals.