SUBJUNCTIVE MODE IN ENGLISH

Hypothetical situations
If I were you, I would not attend James and Alice’s wedding.
If only my wife were more submissive, I would win an argument at least once!
You should behave as if Tom weren’t married to you.
Susan acts as though she weren’t a guest here.

Wishful statements
He wishes she were Cindy Crawford.
I wish I knew.

The subjunctive is also used after the following verbs:

to advise that = Mary advised Carol that she travel abroad before getting married.
to ask that = The ceremony asked that the guests remain quiet.
to command that = The officer commanded that an answer be provided.
to demand that = Jesse demanded that her purse be returned to her.
to desire that = My parents desire that my sister study more.
to insist that = The teacher has insisted that the novel be read in English.
to propose that = I propose that the dog be destroyed immediately.
to recommend that = The headmaster recommended that Sarah be expelled.
to request that = President Obama has requested that all flights be checked thoroughly.
to suggest that = In 1935, James Olson had already suggested that governments around the
world implement more environment-protection measures.
to urge that = The Navy urged that the boat be purchased immediately.

The subjunctive is used after the following expressions:

It is best that = It is best that Peter not come to the party.

It is crucial that = It is crucial that Mrs. Smith not be informed about this decision.
It is desirable that = It is desirable that the artist present his work in advance.
It is essential that = It is essential that all reports be handed in on time.
It is imperative that = It is imperative that Tina and Tommy not get divorced.
It is important that = It is important that all evidence be removed soon.
It is recommended that = It was recommended that John prepare for the exam.
It is urgent that = It is urgent that Diane cook a good dinner for her fiancé.
It is vital that = It is vital that you not forget about your parents’ wedding anniversary.
It is a good idea that = It is a good idea that your sister go with you.
It is a bad idea that = It is a bad idea that the report not be presented when it is due.

Some fixed expressions use the subjunctive:

Long live the Queen!
God bless America!
Heaven forbid!
Be that as it may, I believe you are wrong.
Peter will keep his promise come what may.
The original news, as it were, specified that there were no casualties.