Subjunctive structures
Use base-form subjunctives, 'were' and unreal past forms in formal requirements, wishes and fixed expressions.
20 minAdvanced
1The grammar
The mandative subjunctive follows verbs such as recommend, insist, demand, propose and request, and adjectives such as essential, vital and imperative. The verb in the that-clause stays in the base form for all subjects: 'The board insisted that she attend.' The negative is 'not' + base form, and the passive is 'be' + past participle.
This pattern is common in American English and formal British English. British English also often uses 'should': 'The board insisted that she should attend.' In less formal British English, an ordinary tense form is sometimes heard, but the base form or 'should' is the safe choice in formal writing.
The past form can express something unreal in the present after wish, as if, as though, would rather (with a different subject) and it's (high) time. In formal English, 'were' is often used for all persons after wish, if, as if and as though; 'was' is common in informal use.
Some fixed expressions keep old subjunctive forms, including 'be that as it may', 'far be it from me', 'suffice it to say', 'come what may' and 'if need be'. Note that 'suggest' meaning 'indicate' and 'insist' meaning 'claim strongly' are followed by normal tenses.
2Structure and formation
After verbs of demand or advice
verb + that + subject + base verb
The auditors recommended that the fund close.
After adjectives of necessity
It is + adjective + that + subject + base verb
It is vital that the patient receive treatment today.
Negative and passive
that + subject + not + base verb; that + subject + be + past participle
The panel advised that the minister not comment and that the file be sealed.
Unreal past form
wish / as if / would rather / it's time + subject + past form
It's time the council reviewed its parking policy.
3Examples
The auditors recommended that the fund be closed.
A passive subjunctive: 'be' + past participle.
It is essential that every patient receive clear information.
'Receive' has no -s after the singular subject.
The union insisted that no member lose pay.
A base form is used even with a singular subject.
I wish the proposal were less ambiguous.
'Were' expresses an unreal present wish; 'was' is also possible in informal use.
It's time the council reviewed its parking policy.
'It's time' + past form refers to the present or future.
I'd rather the press didn't hear about this yet.
With a different subject, 'would rather' usually takes a past form.
Be that as it may, the deadline cannot be moved.
A fixed formal expression meaning 'even if that is true'.
4Common mistakes
The committee insisted that he attends the hearing.
The committee insisted that he attend the hearing.
When 'insist' expresses a demand, formal English uses the base form or 'should attend'.
It is vital that he doesn't be late.
It is vital that he not be late.
The negative subjunctive is 'not' + base form, with no 'do'.
I wish I would be in a position to help.
I wish I were in a position to help.
After 'wish', use a past form for an unreal present state. 'Wish + would' expresses a desire for someone else's behaviour or a situation to change.
It's high time the council acts.
It's high time the council acted.
'It's (high) time' + subject takes a past form.
The report suggests that inflation be falling.
The report suggests that inflation is falling.
'Suggest' here means 'indicate', so a normal tense is used.
5Practical usage
Legal and institutional writing
Minutes, policies and contracts often use the subjunctive to state requirements: 'The committee resolved that the policy be reviewed annually.'
Register choice
Use the subjunctive in formal writing; 'should' is a natural alternative in British English. In conversation, you can often rephrase with 'need to' or 'have to'.
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