subjunctive in writing was also dwindling, a process that continued throughout the 20th century. If the subjunctive is used in accordance with the rules mentioned in this article, it is still considered grammatically correct but often sounds archaic or formal. In contemporary Dutch the subjunctive is no longer actively used, save for a few exceptions and a large range of set phrases. Instead the function of the subjunctive has been replaced by a range of auxiliary verbs, the most important of which is ('will'), especially its past tense: ('would'). Command or wish The subjunctive can express a wish or command. As such the subjunctive fulfills the function of what is known as the optative mood in some other languages. Example sentences: ('Long live the queen!'). ('May they rest in peace.')! ('May things go well for you!'). ('May God bless and save you.')! ('May luck be with you!'). ('I may inform you that we have received your letter.')! ('I wish he had been wiser!') In contemporary Dutch, the optative function of the subjunctive has to a large extent been replaced by the auxiliary verb ('will') and to a much lesser extent by ('to let'). Example sentences: . (I hope he will come on time) and . ('Let Thy Name be hallowed', instead of or 'Hallowed be Thy Name'). Many religious texts and official government or business letters still make use of the optative subjunctive. Exhortation The subjunctive can express an exhortation. This form is archaic and is usually expressed in modern Dutch with the auxiliary verb ('must' or 'should') or the imperative is used. Exceptions may be found in cookbook recipe formulas, normally in combination with the third person form ('one' or 'you'). . ('You should take three eggs.')./Modern Dutch: De lezer moet wel bedenken dat dit boek vijftig jaar geleden geschreven is. ('The reader should keep in mind that this book was written fifty years ago.')./Modern Dutch: . ('One should tell others.')./Modern Dutch: . ('One should reread my letter.')./Modern Dutch: . ('The user should take note of this.') Irreality The subjunctive can be used to express an irrealis situation. Example sentences:. ('The man spoke about the bank robbery as if it were a Sunday trip.') Concession The subjunctive can express a concession. Example sentences:. ('Whoever he may be.'). ('Whatever he may do.'). ('However it may be.'). ('I agree with his views, though not wholeheartedly.') Set phrases In contemporary Dutch, a