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The indicative forms are also possible in clauses of this type if the action is regarded as a real one:
She was afraid that he had changed his mind.
4. In object clauses after verbs and phrases expressing doubt (to doubt, to disbelieve, to have doubts, to
greet with scepticism, etc.) and after some other verbs in the negative form the past subjunctive may be used.
The subordinate clause is introduced by if or whether.
We had doubts if it were possible to cross the river at this time of the year.
I doubted she had even been there.
5. In object clauses referring to the formal it + objective predicative, expressing opinion of some situation,
the choice of the form depends on the general meaning of the principal clause:
We found it strange that he should speak so calmly after the events (the principal clause expresses the
idea of disbelief, hence the form should speak is used).
We regard it as highly probable that he may return soon (the principal clause expresses the idea of
probability, hence the form may return is used).
The subjunctive mood in appositive and predicative clauses
§ 84. The choice of the form in these clauses is determined by the lexical meaning of the words these clauses
follow or refer to.
The order that we should come surprised me. (appositive clause)
The order was that we should come. (predicative clause)
His suggestion that we stop and have a look round the castle was rather sudden. (appositive clause)
His suggestion was that we stop and have a look round the castle. (predicative clause)
1. The forms should + infinitive or the present subjunctive are used after nouns expressing wish, advice,
desire, proposal, doubt, hesitation, fear, apprehension, etc. After the last two nouns the conjunction lest is
used.
Mary’s wish was that we should stay at her place as long as possible. (predicative clause)
Your advice that he wait till next week is reasonable. (appositive clause)
Our fear lest he should give away our secret was great. (appositive clause)
Our fear was lest we should get lost in the forest. (predicative clause)
2. In predicative clauses joined by the link verbs to be, to seem, to look, to feel, to taste, to smell, etc. the past
subjunctive or non-factual tense forms are used. In this case the clause has a comparative meaning and is
accordingly introduced by the comparative conjunctions as if, as though. If the action in the subordinate clause
is simultaneous with the action in the principal clause the past subjunctive or non-factual past indefinite is used.
If the action is prior to that in the principal clause, the non-factual past perfect is used.
He looked as if he were ill (his being ill is simultaneous with the time when his looks are commented upon).
He looked as if he had been ill (his being ill was prior to the time his looks are commented upon).
The house looked as if it had been deserted for years.
I felt as though I were talking to a child.
It was as if I were being attacked by an invisible enemy.
Note:
There is a tendency in informal style to use the indicative forms instead of the subjunctive ones, especially if
one is confident of the exactitude of the comparison.