SU8JUMCTIVE

The subjuncfive is o specioI kind of presenf fense, using on infinifive fhof hos no -s
in fhe fhird person singuIor. If is offen used when foIking obouf somefhing fhof
somebody musf do.
I insist (that) your friend leave this house at once.
The subjuncfive is o formoI consfrucfion. If is more commonIy used in Americon
EngIish fhon in 8rifish EngIish, ond more offen in fhe wriffen form fhon in fhe
spoken form. If wos used much more frequenfIy in oId EngIish, buf mony of fhese
forms hove now disoppeored in modern EngIish.

Tbat-cIause
If is offen used wifh o fhof-cIouse, especioIIy in Americon EngIish, fo formoIIy
express fhe ideo fhof somefhing is imporfonf or essenfioI.
I demand that he leave at once.
'erbs used wItb tbe SubjunctIve
fher verbs fhof ore commonIy used wifh fhe subjuncfive ore: odvise, osk, beg,
decide, decree, desire, dicfofe, insisf, infend, move, order, pefifion, propose,
recommend, requesf, require, resoIve, suggesf, urge, ond vofe.
%om suggested that his friends stay over for the night.
Sam proposed that %om telephone his accountant.
She recommended that he go and see a doctor.
%he manager requested that everyone put their requests in writing.
He insisted that she stay until the end of the week.
%he Queen commands that he attend the ceremony.
He urged that a business manager be hired to help things run more smoothly.
I simply requested, politely, that she refrain from smoking in my house.
Sam recommended that you foin the committee.
%he professor asked that %im submit his research paper before the end of the week.
Tbe verb 'be'
8e' hos specioI subjuncfive forms: I be, you be, she be, fhey be, efc.
It is vital that you be truthful about what happened.
He suggested that she be more vocal in the next meeting.
She urged that the matter be resolved in a family court.
Hadrian decreed that a new temple be built in the honour of Jupiter.
djectIves used wItb tbe SubjunctIve
Some odjecfives con be foIIowed by o subjuncfive verb, Iike onxious, defermined,
eoger.
He was determined that they not separate.
%he political campaign is eager that their candidate step out of the shadows.
I am anxious that he discuss this with me soon.
Cerfoin odjecfives con oIso be used wifh fhe subjuncfive ond `If`, Iike odvisobIe,
crificoI, desirobIe, essenfioI, fiffing, imperofive, imporfonf, necessory, vifoI.
It is imperative that you get home before dark.
It is important that everyone follow the rules.
It is necessary that everyone be calm in times of danger.
It is essential that you arrive before 5pm.
It is critical that the prime minister address those sensitive issues.
It was vital that everything be done on time.
It is crucial that we make it successful.
4uns used wItb tbe SubjunctIve
There ore oIso nouns fhof con be foIIowed by o subjuncfive verb, Iike odvice,
condifion, demond, direcfive, infenfion, order, proposoI, recommendofion, requesf,
suggesfion, wish.
y advice is that the company invest in new equipment.
She is free to leave, on condition that she commit no further offence.
His deep wish is that his daughter go to university.
ess F4rmaI Usage
There ore severoI oIfernofives fo fhe very formoI sfondord subjuncfive:

O Sb4uId
This consfrucfion is more common fhon fhe subjuncfive in 8rifish EngIish:
%om suggested that his friends should stay overnight.
She recommended that he should go and see his doctor.
O Tbe IndIcatIve
This consfrucfion is oIso used somefimes in 8rifish EngIish, buf is rore in
Americon EngIish:
She has demanded that the machinery undergoes vigorous tests to ensure high
quality.
It is imperative that more decisions are made by the shareholders.
O F4r + InIInItIve
It is essential for everyone to be informed of the new regulations.
O 4 Tense Cbange
In coIIoquioI EngIish, if is possibIe fo nof moke o fense chonge:
She demanded that he left.
She felt that it was necessary that she wrote a thank you letter to them.
FIxed ExpressI4ns usIng tbe SubjunctIve
, as it were (in a way, so to speak)
Be that is it may... (Whether that is true or not.)
Come what may (Whatever happens.)
ar be it from me to disagree/criticise (To appear less hostile when disagreeing)
God bless you.

God save the Queen'

Heaven help us' (An exclamation oI despair)
Heaven forbid'
(An exclamation that you hope something won`t
happen)
If need be... (II it is necessary)
Long live the bride and groom'

, so be it. (We can`t do anything to change it)
Perish the thought' (A suggestion or possibility is unpleasant or ridiculous)
Suffice it to say (It is obvious/I will give a short explanation)

ere-SubjunctIve
In hypofheficoI senfences, were is usuoIIy used insfeod of wos:
If I were you, Id learn how to drive.
I wish it were riday.
If is imporfonf fo nofe fhof wos con oIso be used (oIfhough sfiII considered
incorrecf by some grommorions), ond is, in focf, more common in informoI EngIish.