ESL Grammar Course
C1: Advanced
The Subjunctive
The subjunctive is a specific verb mood that is used in formal English to express demands, suggestions, wishes, or hypothetical situations. It is less common in everyday speech but is important for formal writing and advanced communication. The key feature is the use of the base form of the verb (e.g., `be`, `go`, `do`).
Scope & Content:
- Use after verbs of suggestion/demand (e.g., `suggest`, `recommend`, `insist`).
- Use after certain formal expressions (e.g., `It is vital that…`).
- Fixed phrases like `if I were you`, `so be it`, `God save the Queen`.
⚠️ Attention: Common Challenges
1. Using the Base Form: The most noticeable feature of the subjunctive is that the verb is always in its base form, regardless of the subject. There is no `-s` for the third person.
- “The manager insists that every employee be on time.” (Not `is` or `are`).
- “I recommend that he submit the report immediately.” (Not `submits`).
2. Formal Usage: The subjunctive is primarily used in formal contexts. In informal speech, other structures are more common.
- Formal (Subjunctive): “It is essential that he be present.”
- Informal (Modal): “He should be present.” / “He needs to be present.”