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GENERAL ENGLISH · ENGLISH GRAMMAR · INTERMEDIATE (B1-B2)

THE ENGLISH
SUBJUNCTIVE

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1 Present subjunctive

The subjunctive is a special verb form in English used to express something desired or imagined. The
form is the infinitive without ‘to’ and it is used after certain verbs and expressions (see the table
below).

Use Examples

After the following verbs: I recommend that he come

ask (that), command (that), demand (that), insist early tonight.
(that), propose (that), recommend (that), request I suggest you try the other
(that), suggest (that) restaurant.
I insist that she stay another
night.

After the following expressions: It’s better he leave before

It is best (that), It’s crucial (that), It’s desirable noon.
(that), It’s essential (that), It’s important (that), It’s crucial we find a good
It’s recommended (that), It’s urgent (that), It’s mechanic.
necessary (that), It’s a good idea (that), It’s a bad It’s important they meet us at
idea (that) the airport.

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Other points

• The subjunctive is only noticeable in the third person singular (he/she/it). The other forms are
identical to the present simple, for example:
It’s important they meet us at the airport.
• The negative form of the subjunctive is formed with ‘not’:

I suggest that you not take that particular job.

The boss insisted that Tony not be late for the meeting.
• After many of the above expressions, the structure should + infinitive can sometimes be used
instead of the subjunctive. This form is used more frequently in British English and is most common
after the verbs suggest, recommend and insist.
I recommend that she should see a doctor.
The boss insisted that Tony should not be late for the meeting.

2 Practice I
Complete the sentences with the present subjunctive.
be dress drive feed fire
go pay speak stay watch

1. It’s important that she the dog every day.

2. I insist you on time for the meeting.
3. It’s essential that he carefully. The roads here are quite dangerous.
4. It’s a bad idea that she television every night.
5. All I ask is that he a bit more slowly so that I can understand him.
6. It’s recommended that he smart for the job interview.
7. I suggest she shopping at the market because the food is fresher.
8. It’s better he the night because it’s too late to go home.
9. The captain demanded the soldier his gun.
10. It’s necessary he in cash only.

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3 Practice II
Your friend’s sister is coming to visit your city and your friend asks for your advice. Complete the
sentences with your own ideas using the subjunctive or ‘should + infinitive’.

1. It can get very cold in the evenings. It’s a good idea that your sister . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2. The restaurants are very expensive here. I recommend she . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3. There are a few dangerous parts of the city. I suggest she . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4. There are lots of interesting museums. I suggest she . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5. The hotels are quite expensive. I recommend she . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6. Not many people speak English here. It’s important that she . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7. The local ice-cream is fantastic. I insist she . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8. People prefer cash here, so it’s necessary that she . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9. The tap water is not suitable for drinking. It’s better that she . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10. The nightlife is excellent. I recommend she . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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4 Past subjunctive

In English, the past subjunctive is used to refer to unreal or improbable present or future situations
in certain clauses (see the table below). The form is the same as the past simple except in the case of
the verb ‘be’. The subjunctive of ‘be’ is ‘were’ for all persons.

Use Examples

In second conditional statements If I were you, I’d apply for

that job right away.

After ‘I wish/If only ...’ I wish I were 10 years

younger.
If only he didn’t talk so much!

After ‘I’d rather ...’ I’d rather he weren’t here

right now.
I’d rather you didn’t call so
late.

After ‘It’s time ...’ It’s time they were here.

Where are they?
It’s time you called a doctor.

After clauses that start with ‘as if’ or ‘as though’ He looks as if he were
interested.
They seem as though they
knew the way home.

Other points

• In modern English, I/he/she/it was is more common than I/he/she/it were — were is mainly used
in formal styles and in the set phrase if I were you.
• The past subjunctive always refers to unreal situations. If the situation is true, we use a real tense
to express present time:
He looks as if he were interested. (he gives the impression that he is interested, but he (probably) isn’t
or we simply don’t know)
He looks as if he is interested. (he gives the impression that he is interested, and he probably is)

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5 Practice III

Complete the sentences with an appropriate verb in the correct form. More than one answer may be
possible.

be (x3) have learn live

speak understand watch win

1. What would you do if you the lottery?

2. I wish you so rude all the time!
3. I’d rather they so fast all the time. I can’t understand a word.
4. It’s time you how to drive. You are old enough now.
5. If I unemployed, I would start looking for a job right away.
6. She looks as if she the question. But we all know that she doesn’t have a clue.
7. I wish he a bit more sympathetic to my problems.
8. If only I in a hot country. I can’t stand cold weather.
9. Bob needs to get out of the house more often. It’s time he a little less television!
10. I’d go fishing more often if I more free time.

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