The Subjunctive Mood
C1 AdvancedThe subjunctive mood is used in formal English to express necessity, urgency, or importance, typically following specific verbs or adjectives. It utilizes the base form of the verb regardless of the subject.
Overview
The mandative subjunctive is a formal structure used in that-clauses to convey that something is essential or desirable. It is most common in American English and formal British English, often appearing in legal, academic, or professional contexts. Because it uses the base form of the verb, it lacks the third-person singular -s and does not change for tense.
Form
Subject + [Verb/Adjective of influence] + that + Subject + [Base Form]
The subjunctive uses the bare infinitive (base form) for all persons. For the verb to be, the form is always be. To make the subjunctive negative, place not immediately before the verb without using do/does/did.
Examples
Common mistakes
I suggest that she goes to the doctor.
I suggest that she go to the doctor.
In the subjunctive mood, the third-person singular -s is dropped.
It is essential that he is not late.
It is essential that he not be late.
The verb 'to be' remains 'be' and negatives do not use 'is' or 'does'.
Subjunctive vs. Indicative
While the indicative describes what is happening, the subjunctive describes what should happen.
| Mood | Example | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Indicative | I know that he is here. | States a fact or reality. |
| Subjunctive | I demand that he be here. | States a requirement or desire. |
Practice
Complete the sentence: The board proposed that the CEO ___ (step) down.
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step
Answer:step
Why:The verb 'propose' triggers the subjunctive mood, requiring the base form 'step' regardless of the third-person subject.
Correct the error: It is imperative that the document is signed by Friday.
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It is imperative that the document be signed by Friday.
Answer:It is imperative that the document be signed by Friday.
Why:After adjectives of urgency like 'imperative', the verb 'to be' must take its subjunctive base form 'be'.
Make this subjunctive sentence negative: I suggest that he stay.
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I suggest that he not stay.
Answer:I suggest that he not stay.
Why:Negative subjunctive clauses are formed by adding 'not' before the base verb without auxiliary verbs like 'does'.