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Subjunctive
The subjunctive is a special, relatively rare verb form in English.
Structure of the Subjunctive
The structure of the subjunctive is extremely simple. For all verbs
except the past tense of be, the subjunctive is the same as the
bare infinitive (infinitive without "to"):
be (past)
be
(present)
I were
you were
he, she,
it were
we were
you were
they were
I be
you be
he, she, it be
we be
you be
they be
I work
you work
he, she, it work
we work
you work
they work
wants to happen
anticipates will happen
imagines happening
if
as if
wish
suppose
Formal
Informal
If he weren't so mean, he
would buy one for me.
conversation.
Some fixed expressions use the subjunctive. Here are some
examples:
Examples
1. It is essential that she (is/be) at the meeting.
2. If I (was/were) you, I would call her tonight.
3. It is necessary that every student (wear/wears) a uniform.
4. I hope that he (finish/finishes) his homework on time.
5. The doctors recommended that she (take/takes) a holiday.
6. The boss asks that you (be/are) early for your first day of work.
7. If you (be/were) feeling better, we would go.
8. It is important that we (call/called) home as soon as we arrive.
9. The landlord requested that John (move/moves) out of the
apartment.
10.
We want the windows (be/to be) washed before Friday.
Verbs Followed by the Subjunctive
to
to
to
to
to
to
to
to
!
ask (that)
command (that)
demand (that)
desire (that)
insist (that)
propose (that)
recommend (that)
request (that)
to suggest (that)
to urge (that)
Expressions Followed by the Subjunctive
The Subjunctive is used after the following expressions:
It
It
It
It
It
It
It
It
It
It
It
is
is
is
is
is
is
is
is
is
is
is
best (that)
crucial (that)
desirable (that)
essential (that)
imperative (that)
important (that)
recommended (that)
urgent (that)
vital (that)
a good idea (that)
a bad idea (that)
Examples:
Passive Examples:
Continuous Examples:
Should as Subjunctive
After many of the above expressions, the word "should" is
sometimes used to express the idea of subjunctiveness. This form
is used more frequently in British English and is most common
after the verbs "suggest," "recommend" and "insist."
Examples: