SUBJUNCTIVE

FORM

 Use the simple form of the verb. The simple form is the
infinitive without the "to." The simple form of the verb
"to go" is "go." The Subjunctive is only noticeable in
certain forms and tenses.
USE

 The Subjunctive is used to emphasize urgency or

importance. It is used after certain expressions.

Examples:

 I suggest that he study.

 Is it essential that we be there?

 Don recommended that you join the committee.

 NOTICE
The Subjunctive is only noticeable in certain forms and tenses. In
the examples below, the Subjunctive is not noticeable in the you-
form of the verb, but it is noticeable in the he-form of the verb.
Examples:
 You try to study often.

you-form of "try"
 It is important that you try to study often.

Subjunctive form of "try" looks the same.

 He tries to study often.

he-form of "try"
 It is important that he try to study often.

Subjunctive form of "try" is noticeable here.

VERBS FOLLOWED BY THE SUBJUNCTIVE
 The Subjunctive is used after the following verbs:

to advise (that)
to ask (that)
to command (that)
to demand (that)
to desire (that)
to insist (that)
to propose (that)
to recommend (that)
to request (that)
to suggest (that)
to urge (that)
VERBS FOLLOWED BY THE SUBJUNCTIVE
Examples:

 Dr. Smith asked that Mark submit his research paper

before the end of the month.

 Donna requested Frank come to the party.

 The teacher insists that her students be on time.

 EXPRESSIONS FOLLOWED BY THE SUBJUNCTIVE
The Subjunctive is used after the following expressions:

It is best (that)
It is crucial (that)
It is desirable (that)
It is essential (that)
It is imperative (that)
It is important (that)
It is recommended (that)
It is urgent (that)
It is vital (that)
It is a good idea (that)
It is a bad idea (that)
EXPRESSIONS FOLLOWED BY THE
SUBJUNCTIVE
Examples:

 It is crucial that you be there before Tom arrives.

 It is important she attend the meeting.

 It is recommended that he take a gallon of water with him if

he wants to hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon.
LET’S PRACTICE
Principal: I am recommending that Mrs. Robinson stay home
until after her baby is born.

Jenny: When is her baby due?

Principal: Around September 15th. I requested

that she return to school in January.

Mark: Who is going to teach us until then?

Principal: Ms. Shaw. I insist you be as respectful to

her as you are to Mrs. Robinson!
CIRCLE THE CORRECT ANSWERS.
1. Victor suggested that I (gets / got / get) more exercise.

2. I recommend that you (look / looking / to look) for a job

that isn’t so stressful.

4. The weather reporter said it was advisable that we (taking /

take / to take) an umbrella today.

5. The owner of the restaurant requested that he (smokes /

smoke / to smoke) outside.
SUBJUNCTIVE QUIZ
 1. It is essential that she _____ at the meeting.
be
is

2. If I _____ you I would call her tonight.

was
were

3. It is necessary that every student _____ a uniform.

wear
wears
SUBJUNCTIVE QUIZ
 4. The doctors recommended that she _____ a holiday.
take
takes

 5. The boss asks that you _____ early for your first day of
work.
are
Be

 6. If he _____ feeling better we would go.

were
was
 SUBJUNCTIVE QUIZ

 7. It is important that we _____ home as soon as we arrive.

call
called

8. The landlord requested that John _____ out of the

apartment.
move
moves
 MATCH THE SENTENCE PARTS.
My tutor prefers that we be quiet during the test.

It’s advisable that you keep the bandage on for a few days.

Tom suggested we go fishing she apply to Harvard.

Her math teacher advised that travel plan before he goes away.

Mom insisted that Bob make a we meet twice a week.

Our French teacher demanded that if the weather is nice tomorrow.

 FIGURE IT OUT…

Circle the letter of the best answer .

 1. The subjunctive form of a verb is the same as ________.

a. the base form

b. the present tense form

 Check al l answers that apply .

2. When might you use the subjunctive form of a verb?

a. when giving advice c. when expressing sympathy

b. when giving rules d. when telling a joke
 Look at the example of the subjunctive when the noun clause is in the
passive voice.

Psychologists recommend (that) we be trained to cope with stress.

NOT Psychologists recommend (that) we are trained to cope with stress.

 FIGURE IT OUT…

 Circle the letter of the best answer .

What form is the subjunctive when used in a noun clause in the passive
voice?

a. be + base form
 Remember : Noun clauses following verbs and adjectives that don’t
express urgency , obligation, or advisability don’t need the subjunctive.

FIGURE IT OUT…

Check the correct statement .

a. Psychologists agree that too much conflict be harmful to relationships.

b. Psychologists agree that too much conflict is harmful to relationships.