Subjunctive

The subjunctive is used in formal recommendations, requirements, and unreal situations.

Mandative Subjunctive

After verbs and adjectives that express importance, requests, or demands, formal English can use the base verb for all subjects.

Trigger	Example
recommend that	We recommend that he apply immediately.
suggest that	The report suggests that the policy be changed.
insist that	They insisted that she be present.
it is important that	It is important that everyone arrive on time.
it is essential that	It is essential that the data remain private.

Notice that there is no -s with he, she, or it.

The doctor recommends that he rest.

Not: The doctor recommends that he rests.

Negative Form

Put not before the base verb.

They requested that we not discuss the plan publicly.

It is essential that the door not be opened.

Were For Unreal Situations

Use were in formal unreal conditions and wishes.

If I were in your position, I would wait.

I wish she were here.

In informal speech, was is also common with I/he/she/it, but were is the careful C1 form.

Should Alternative

In British English and less formal contexts, should is often used after these triggers.

They recommended that he should apply immediately.

This has a similar meaning to the mandative subjunctive.

Common Mistakes

Avoid	Use
It is important that he arrives on time.	It is important that he arrive on time.
They demanded that she was present.	They demanded that she be present.
If I was you, I would refuse.	If I were you, I would refuse.

Practice

1 / 5

The committee recommends that he ___ immediately.

AisBwasChasDapply

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Summary

Use the subjunctive in formal recommendations, requirements, demands, and unreal situations. In mandative clauses, use the base verb for every subject: It is important that he arrive. For unreal conditions and wishes, use formal were: If I were you.