Subjunctive

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The following is a mini-tutorial on the use of the Subjunctive. After you have studied the
tutorial, complete the associated exercises. If you already know how to use this verb form,
you can skip the explanation and go directly to the exercises.

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 (see below).

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)

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)

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.

Negative, Continuous and Passive Forms of Subjunctive

The Subjunctive can be used in negative, continuous and passive forms.

Negative Examples:

 The boss insisted that Sam not be at the meeting.

 The company asked that employees not accept personal phone calls during
business hours.
 I suggest that you not take the job without renegotiating the salary.

Passive Examples:

 Jake recommended that Susan be hired immediately.

 Christine demanded that I be allowed to take part in the negotiations.
 We suggested that you be admitted to the organization.

Continuous Examples:

 It is important that you be standing there when he gets off the plane.
 It is crucial that a car be waiting for the boss when the meeting is over.
 I propose that we all be waiting in Tim's apartment when he gets home.
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:

 The doctor recommended that she should see a specialist about the problem.
 Professor William suggested that Wilma should study harder for the final exam.

The subjunctive is used to express intention or proposal about the

future. It requires use of the verb in its basic form rather than its normal
tense form.

We don’t use the subjunctive very much in contemporary English

unless we wish to sound very formal. With verbs likesuggest,
recommend, insist and adjectives like important,essential,
imperative, crucial, vital, we often use should +infinitive instead of
the subjunctive or we can use the normal tense form. The reporting
verbs and adjectives above are normally followed by a that-clause in
which that itself is often omitted.

In your example, Olly, ‘It’s important that the lesson be funny’ sounds
too formal.
We would normally say: ‘It’s important that the lesson should be funny.’

Compare also the following:

 The doctor recommended (that) he should give up smoking.
 The doctor recommended (that) he give up smoking. (More
formal)

 The doctor recommended (that) he gives up smoking. (Less

formal)
It + be +
adjective:desirable/important/essential/imperative/vital/etc

In all of these examples below with should, you can substitute the
subjunctive if you want to make it sound more formal or the present
simple tense if you want it to be less formal:
 It is essential (that) you should be given your medication by
a properly qualified nurse. (Or: be given, or are given.)
 For the future well-being of the company, it is imperative
(that) he should resign now. (Or: resign, or resigns.)
 It is desirable (that) he should be retained in custody,
rather than released on bail. (Or: be retained, or is
retained.)

 It is vital (that) he should receive some treatment

(orreceive, or receives) whether he be (or is) innocent or
guilty of this particular crime.

suggest/recommend/insist/demand

Similarly with these reporting verbs, we can use should, the

subjunctive or the normal tense in the that-clause, depending on
whether it is appropriate to sound formal or not:
 The government tried to insist (that) all firearms should
be handed in without delay. (Or: be handed in, or are
handed in.)
 The doctors have recommended (that) he should remain
in hospital for a further three weeks. (Or: remain, or
remains.)

 I suggested he should leave right now. (Or: leave, or

leaves.)

advise/ask/command/instruct/request/require/warn

Note that these reporting verbs do not require should or a that-

clause and are normally used instead with a simple infinitive.
The issue of whether to use the subjunctive or not with these
verbs does not then arise.

Consider the following:

 Her mother advised them to be home by ten o’ clock.
 They required me to clean the house every Saturday.
 You asked me to let you know how much it would cost.

 I warned him not to swim where there were dangerous

currents.
 Were is also a kind of subjunctive when it is used with I
andhe/she/it instead of was with wish and in if-clauses.
If we use the more natural was, it will sound more informal.

Consider the following:

 I wish I were (or was) home now.
 I wish it were (or was) the weekend.
 If I were (or was) you, I’d get in touch with Veronika
before she leaves for Australia

 If I were (or was) still living with John, I’d be much

better off, but I wouldn’t be so independent.

fixed expressions with the subjunctive

There are a number of fixed expressions which require the subjunctive,

including:
 Bless you. (Which means: May God bless you.)
 Long live our gracious Queen. (The first line of the British National
Anthem)
 A toast now: long live the bride and groom.

 I have always supported you financially, but be that as it may, I can

no longer support your current lifestyle.
If I have to pretend that you no longer exist, so be it.

Be that as it may means whether that is the case or not So be

it means nothing can or will be done to change that .

Subjunctive Fill in the

blanks
below
Use your browser's print command to print this lesson with the
correct form of the verb in parentheses. Remember that negative, passive and continuous subjunctive forms are possible.
Three of the sentences below do not contain subjunctive forms. Can you find them?
1. It's important that she (remember) _______________________ to take her medicine twice a day.

2. I suggest that Frank (read) _______________________ the directions carefully before assembling the bicycle. He
doesn't want the wheels to fall off while he is riding down a hill.

3. Mrs. Finkelstein demanded that the heater (repair) _________ immediately. Her apartment was freezing.

4. It's vital that the United States (focus) _______________________ on improving its public education system. What we do
now will affect our country for generations to come.

5. The monk insisted that the tourists (enter) _____________ the temple until they had removed their shoes.

6. I am not going to sit here and let her insult me. I demand that she immediately (apologize) _______________________
for what she just said.

7. Judy asked that we (attend) _______________________ her graduation ceremony next week.

8. Was it really necessary that I (sit) _______________________ there watching you the entire time you were rehearsing
for the play? It was really boring watching you repeat the scenes over and over again.

9. It is important to remember that Janine (think) _______________________ very differently from you. She may not agree
to the changes you have made in the organization of the company.

10. It's a little difficult to find the restaurant. I propose that we all (drive) _______________________ together so that
nobody gets lost along the way.

11. The woman insisted that the lost child(take)_______ to store's information desk so his parents could be paged.

12. The nutritionist recommended that Sally (reduce) _______________________ her daily fat intake.

13. The environmental leader felt it was extremely important that the people of the city (allow) _______________________
to voice their concerns over the new hotel being built on the bay.

14. She says that the government (regulate) ______________ the airline industry. I don't know if that is true.

15. The sign at the pool recommended that you (swim) ____________________ after eating a large meal.

16. It is necessary that a life guard (monitor) _______________________ the summing pool while the children are taking
their swimming lessons.

17. The sun is scorching today. I suggest you (put) ____ on sunblock immediately before you get a sunburn.

18. John insists that Sarah (invite) _______________________ to the wedding; otherwise he will not attend.

19. I think it's an interesting fact that she (come) _______________________ from Estonia.
20. It is imperative that the world (work)____________ towards a solution to global warming before
the weather patterns of the world are disrupted irreparably.

Subjunctive Answers
The three sentences with asterisks * do not contain any subjunctive forms.

1. It's important that she remember to take her medicine twice a day.

2. I suggest that Frank read the directions carefully before assembling the bicycle. He
doesn't want the wheels to fall off while he is riding down a hill.

3. Mrs. Finkelstein demanded that the heater be repaired immediately. Her apartment was
freezing.

4. It's vital that the United States focus on improving its public education system. What
we do now will affect our country for generations to come.

5. The monk insisted that the tourists not enter the temple until they had removed their
shoes.

6. I am not going to sit here and let her insult me. I demand that she
immediately apologize for what she just said.

7. Judy asked that we attend her graduation ceremony next week.

8. Was it really necessary that I be sitting there watching you the entire time you were
rehearsing for the play? It was really boring watching you repeat the scenes over and over
again.

*9. It is important to remember that Janine thinks very differently from you. She may not
agree to the changes you have made in the organization of the company.

10. It's a little difficult to find the restaurant. I propose that we all drive together so that
nobody gets lost along the way.

11. The woman insisted that the lost child be taken to store's information desk so his
parents could be paged.

12. The nutritionist recommended that Sally reduce her daily fat intake.
13. The environmental leader felt it was extremely important that the people of the city be
allowed to voice their concerns over the new hotel being built on the bay.

*14. She says that the government regulates the airline industry. I don't know if that is
true.

15. The sign at the pool recommended that you not swim after eating a large meal.

16. It is necessary that a life guard be monitoring / monitor the summing pool while the
children are taking their swimming lessons.

17. The sun is scorching today. I suggest you put on sunblock immediately before you get
a sunburn.

18. John insists that Sarah be invited to the wedding; otherwise he will not attend.

*19. I think it's an interesting fact that she comes from Estonia.

20. It is imperative that the world work towards a solution to global warming before the
weather patterns of the world are disrupted irreparably.

Using the subjunctive.

In this exercise you will have to choose the correct word to complete the sentence.

The UN requested that the government _______ its policy.

1 a amends
)

b amend
)

c will amend
)
 If only he _______ more skillful, he would make a good
2 a) was

b) is

c) were

If the tickets ________ cheaper, we would have gone to

3 a) had been

b) were

c) are

The chairman moved that the meeting _______ moved

4 a) was

b) is

c) be

I wish it _______ warmer.

5 a) was
 b) is

c) were

The boss insisted that the salesforce _______ its resul

6 a) improve

b) improved

c) improves

If Peter _______ better behaved, he would not be in so

7 a) was

b) were

c) is

The commission recommended that the minister _______.

8 a) will resign

b) resigns

c) resign
 If the new striker _______ a better goal-scorer, we mig
9 a) is

b) was

c) were

The emperor demanded that the thief ________ brought bef

10 a) were

b) was

c) be

The UN requested that the government _______ its policy.

a) amends

b) amend

c) will amend

Correct. This is the subjunctive after a verb (request) expressing c

If only he _______ more skillful, he would make a good football player.

2
a) was
 b) is

c) were

Correct. This is the subjunctive after 'if' expressing a hypotheti

If the tickets ________ cheaper, we would have gone to the concert.

3
a) had been

b) were

c) are

Well done. No need for the subjunctive in this case.

The chairman moved that the meeting _______ moved to Wednesday

4
a) was

b) is

c) be

Correct. This is the correct form of the subjunctive.

I wish it _______ warmer.

5
a) was

b) is

c) were

Correct. This is the correct form of the subjunctive.

 The boss insisted that the salesforce _______ its results.

6
a) improve

b) improved

c) improves

Correct. This is the present subjunctive.

If Peter _______ better behaved, he would not be in so much trouble

7
a) was

b) were

c) is

Well done. This is the correct form of the subjunctive.

The commission recommended that the minister _______.

8
a) will resign

b) resigns

c) resign

Well done. You need the subjunctive after 'recommended that'.

If the new striker _______ a better goal-scorer, we might win more matches.

9
a) is
 b) was

c) were

Correct. You need the subjunctive here.

The emperor demanded that the thief ________ brought before him.

1
a were
0 )

b was
)

c be
)

Correct. You need the subjunctive here.

Additional exercise. Subjunctive mood

This activity contains 10 questions.

Choose the correct subjunctive verb form to complete the following sentence.

If he _______ in better shape, he would be a great addition to our rugby team.

was

would be

would have been

were

Choose the correct subjunctive verb form to complete the following sentence.

The coach wishes the rugby team _______ more motivated, but he still helps the
team as a whole, not just the ones who show promise.
would be

would have been

was

were

Choose the correct subjunctive verb form to complete the following sentence.

The coach asked that each player ______ twice each day.
would practice

practiced

practice

Choose the correct subjunctive verb form to complete the following sentence.

The executive board of the rugby team required that each member _______ twenty-
five dollar dues.
had paid

paid

pay

Choose the correct subjunctive verb form to complete the following sentence.

We wished that we ______ New York's rugby team.

would have beaten

beat

had beaten
Choose the correct subjunctive verb form to complete the following sentence.

I would grab the ball if I _______ closer to it.

was

were

had been

Choose the correct subjunctive verb form to complete the following sentence.

I would have grabbed the ball if I ________ closer to it.

was

had been

were

Choose the correct subjunctive verb form to complete the following sentence.

Team rules require that each player ________ responsible for memorizing one
rule--and then for teaching that rule to all of the players.
be

is

was

Choose the correct subjunctive verb form to complete the following sentence.

The coach realized that if a rugby player _______ to improve, he or she would need
to spend several days working on general physical conditioning.
was

were
 Choose the correct subjunctive verb form to complete the
following sentence.

To avoid unnecessary injury, the coach insisted that the players'

tackling drills ______ on the proper way to fall down.
focus

focused

were focused

1. Choose the correct

subjunctive verb form
to complete the
following sentence.

If he _______ in better
shape, he would be a
great addition to our
rugby team.
were
Your Answer:

This sentence expresses a condition contrary to fact, and thus requires the
subjunctive verb form "were" in the subordinate clause.

Choose the correct subjunctive verb form to complete the following sentence.
2. The coach wishes the rugby team _______ more motivated, but he still helps the
team as a whole, not just the ones who show promise.

were
Your Answer:

This sentence expresses a wish, and thus requires the subjunctive verb form
"were."

Choose the correct subjunctive verb form to complete the following sentence.
3. The coach asked that each player ______ twice each day.

practice
Your Answer:

This sentence, which indicates a demand, requires the subjunctive form "practice"
 in the subordinate clause beginning with "that."

Choose the correct subjunctive verb form to complete the following sentence.
4. The executive board of the rugby team required that each member _______
twenty-five dollar dues.

pay
Your Answer:

This sentence, which indicates a demand, requires the subjunctive verb form
"pay" in the subordinate clause beginning with "that."

Choose the correct subjunctive verb form to complete the following sentence.
5. We wished that we ______ New York's rugby team.

had beaten
Your Answer:

This sentence expresses a wish in the past, and thus requires a past perfect
subjunctive verb form.

Choose the correct subjunctive verb form to complete the following sentence.
6. I would grab the ball if I _______ closer to it.

were
Your Answer:

This sentence expresses a condition contrary to fact, and thus requires the
subjunctive verb form "were" in the subordinate clause.

Choose the correct subjunctive verb form to complete the following sentence.
7. I would have grabbed the ball if I ________ closer to it.

were
Your Answer:
 had been
Correct Answer:

Incorrect.

This sentence expresses a past condition contrary to fact, and thus requires a
past perfect subjunctive verb form in the subordinate clause.

Choose the correct subjunctive verb form to complete the following sentence.
8. Team rules require that each player ________ responsible for memorizing one
rule--and then for teaching that rule to all of the players.

be
Your Answer:

This sentence expresses a requirement, and thus requires the subjunctive verb
form "be."

Choose the correct subjunctive verb form to complete the following sentence.
9. The coach realized that if a rugby player _______ to improve, he or she would
need to spend several days working on general physical conditioning.

was
Your Answer:
were
Correct Answer:

Incorrect.

This sentence expresses a condition contrary to fact, and thus requires a

subjunctive verb form, not the indicative "was."

Choose the correct subjunctive verb form to complete the following sentence.
10. To avoid unnecessary injury, the coach insisted that the players' tackling drills
______ on the proper way to fall down.

focus
Your Answer:
This sentence expresses a demand, and thus requires the subjunctive form
"focus" in the subordinate clause beginning with "that."