The Subjunctive

The subjunctive is a special kind of present tense, using an infinitive that has no –s
in the third person singular.  It is often used when talking about something that
somebody must do.

It is a formal construction.  It is more commonly used in American English than in

British English, and more often in the written form than in the spoken form.   

Verbs that are commonly used with the subjunctive are: advise, ask, beg,
decide, decree, desire, dictate, insist, intend, move, order, petition,
propose, recommend, request, require, resolve, suggest, urge,  and vote.

Fixed Expressions using the Subjunctive

…, as it were  (in a way, so to speak)  

Be that is it may... (Whether that is true or not…)  
Come what may… (Whatever happens…)  
Far be it from me to disagree/criticise (To appear less hostile when disagreeing)
God bless you.  
God save the Queen!  
Heaven help us! (An exclamation of despair)
Heaven forbid! (An exclamation that you hope something won’t happen)  
If need be... (If it is necessary)
Long live the bride and groom!   
…, so be it.   (We can’t do anything to change it)  
Perish the thought! (A suggestion or possibility is unpleasant or ridiculous)
Suffice it to say… (It is obvious/I will give a short explanation)

‘Be’ has special subjunctive forms:

            It is vital that you be truthful about what happened.

            He suggested that she be more vocal in the next meeting.

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 (sit) I   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.

Mixed Conditionals

i) Third Second Mixed Conditionals (Past Condition / Present Result)

If + Past Perfect, + Would + Base Form

For imaginary present actions or situations that are not possible because the necessary
conditions were not met in the past. eg: If you had taken the course, you would know
about it. (The conditions were not met because the person did not do the course and as a
result does not know about it now.)

ii) Second Third Mixed Conditionals (Present Condition / Past Result)

If + Past Simple, + Would have + Past Participle

1/ To avoid the illogicality of saying 'If I had been you', which means that I was not you
on that occasion, but could be in the future, which is, of course, impossible.

eg:If I were you, I wouldn't have done that.

2/ Where the first part is still true:

eg:If I could speak Spanish, I wouldn't have needed to get the letter translated.

This means that I couldn't speak Spanish then when I needed the translator and still
can't.