The subjunctive

Rules

• Rule 1: Demand verbs + that + base form

  After insist, suggest, recommend, demand, request, propose, ask, require, urge use that + subject + base form. No -s for he/she/it and no tense change. (British English also uses should + verb here: *I suggest that she should take a jacket*, and informal British English sometimes uses *takes*. In American English and formal writing, the base form is standard.)

  Pattern: insist / suggest / recommend … + that + subject + base form

  Example: The coach recommended that Burak stretch before every run.

  Example: The rules require that each team have a captain.

• Rule 2: It is essential / vital … that + base form

  The same rule follows adjectives of importance: essential, vital, important, necessary, crucial, imperative.

  Pattern: It is essential / vital / important … that + subject + base form

  Example: It is vital that the goalkeeper stay focused until the final whistle.

  Example: It is important that every child feel safe at school.

• Rule 3: Negative and passive

  For the negative, don't use do / don't – just put not before the verb. For the passive, use be + V3.

  Pattern: … that + subject + not + base form · … that + subject + be + V3

  Example: The museum asks that visitors not take photos with flash.

  Example: The principal insisted that the broken swing be repaired at once.

• Rule 4: The were-subjunctive

  In unreal situations, be becomes were for every subject: If I were, I wish she were, as if he were, I'd rather it were. It's high time + past simple is similar. In formal English, if can be dropped: *Were I you, …*

  Pattern: if / wish / as if / would rather + subject + were · Were + subject + …

  Example: She talks about the movie as if she were the director.

  Example: Were I the mayor, I would plant more trees.

Common mistakes

• The doctor recommended that she drinks more water. → The doctor recommended that she drink more water.

  In American English and formal writing: no -s, base form. (British English also allows *should drink*.)

• I suggest that you don't use your phone. → I suggest that you not use your phone.

  Negative: not + base form.

• It is important that he is told. → It is important that he be told.

  Formal passive subjunctive: be + V3.