The Subjunctive

The Subjunctive

By Ana Bello

The Subjunctive

The Subjunctive is a mood (= form) of a verb used to refer to actions that are possibilities rather than facts:

The subjunctive form is the same as thge base form. No matter what the time frame is. Use not before the verb for the negative.

Use the subjunctive form of a verb in a noun clause that follows a verb or adjective of urgency, obligation, or advisability.

Urgency, obligation, and advisability

Verbs

Adjectives

• best
• imperative
• recommended
• urgent
• vital
• a good idea
• a bad idea
• critical
• crucial
• essential

• advice
• ask
• command
• demand
• desire
• insist
• propose
• recommend
• request
• urge

that we be at the office at 3 o'clock.

She insisted

Verb of urgency, obligation

I'm proposing

that you not apply for that job.

Verb of advisability

that he complete the presentation.

It's important

Adjective

The doctor suggested she exercise more and not work on weekends.

Not: The doctor suggested she exercises more and doesn't work on weekends.

Not: The doctor suggested she exercised and didn't work on weekends.

When the verb in the noun clause is in the passive voice, the subjunctive form is be + a past participle

Psychologists recommended we be trained to cope with stress.

Not: Psychologists recommended we are trained to cope with stress.

When the verb in the noun clause is in the continuous form, the subjunctive form is be + a present participle.

It's important that we be studying hard for the test.

Thanks!