Caution.
(2) By assuming a thing to be true without declaring it to be so. This kind of indicative clause is usually introduced by if (meaning admitting that, granting that, etc.), though, although, etc. Notice that the action is not merely conceived as possible; it is assumed to be a fact: for example,—
If the penalties of rebellion hung over an unsuccessful contest; if America was yet in the cradle of her political existence; if her population little exceeded two millions; if she was without government, without fleets or armies, arsenals or magazines, without military knowledge,—still her citizens had a just and elevated sense of her rights.—A. Hamilton.
(3) By asking a question to find out some fact; as,—
Is private credit the friend and patron of industry?—Hamilton.
With respect to novels what shall I say?—N. Webster.
Definition.
216 .The indicative mood is that form of a verb which represents a thing as a fact, or inquires about some fact.
SUBJUNCTIVE MOOD.
Meaning of the word.