Subjunctive by attraction

In Latin grammar, the subjunctive by attraction is the situation when the verb in a relative clause or a temporal clause that is closely dependent on a subjunctive verb becomes subjunctive itself. The name also applies to subjunctives used when a subordinate clause is "so closely connected with an infinitive as to form an integral part of" it.

The following sentences are cited in grammars of a verb in a subordinate clause which is made subjunctive because the main verb is subjunctive. In the first group, the affected verb is in a relative clause of a general type:

In the second group, the affected verb is in a generalised temporal clause ('whenever...') or conditional clause ('if ever...'):

In the following case, both verbs depend on an initial verb of fearing:

In another group cited by grammars, the subordinate clause with a subjunctive verb depends on an infinitive:

However, the relative clauses in the first and second examples could also be seen as generic ('the sort of things which...').

A verb in a relative clause dependent on a subjunctive does not always become subjunctive. In the following examples, the underlined verbs are indicative, even though the writer is talking in general terms, not about a particular case:

The subjunctive is even less likely to be used when the relative clause is referring to a particular group of individuals: