C1+ Unit 4A Subjunctive

The Subjunctive

C1+ Level

Grammar Webinar

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What is it?

It is the formal structure that is used most frequently in situations in which great importance or urgency needs to be expressed, usually by someone in authority or in formal writing. The subjunctive is more common in formal written English than in spoken English

Grammar Tip

The subjunctive form of a verb is used in noun clauses following verbs or adjectives of urgency, obligation, or advisability.

Urgency

Obligation

Advisability

Verbs

Adjectives

• demand
• insist
• propose
• request
• recommend
• suggest

• critical
• crucial
• desirable
• essential
• important
• necessary

Examples

The subjunctive form is always the same as the base form, no matter what the time frame is.

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

TIP 1

TIP 2

TIP 3

• It is important (that) you be aware of the sources of stress in your life.

The passive voice form of the subjunctive

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

• Psychologist reccomend we be trained to cope with stress.

TIP 1

TIP 2

Activity 01

Decide wheter to use the subjunctive and circle de correct form.

1. She thinks that Jack (overreact / overreacts) to problems.
2. It's essential that your father (avoid / avoids) taking on more that he can handle.
3. Everyone agrees that a certain amount of stress (be / is) unavoidable.
4. It's critical that Shelly (learn / learns) how to deal with pressure at work.
5. Bill's manager demanded that he (be / is) fired immediately.
6. It's crucial that she (doesn't accept / not accept) more projects that she can handle.
7. I really hope that this plan (be / is) successful.
8. John proposed that he (continue / continues) cooking dinner while we clean the house.
9. Our manager insisted that no one (be / is) late for the divisional meeting.
10. It's true that humer (help / helps) people handle major crises in their lives.
11. It's important that Bruce (try / tries) to exercise more.

Activity 01

Decide wheter to use the subjunctive and circle de correct form.

1. She thinks that Jack (overreact / overreacts) to problems.
2. It's essential that your father (avoid / avoids) taking on more that he can handle.
3. Everyone agrees that a certain amount of stress (be / is) unavoidable.
4. It's critical that Shelly (learn / learns) how to deal with pressure at work.
5. Bill's manager demanded that he (be / is) fired immediately.
6. It's crucial that she (doesn't accept / not accept) more projects that she can handle.
7. I really hope that this plan (be / is) successful.
8. John proposed that he (continue / continues) cooking dinner while we clean the house.
9. Our manager insisted that no one (be / is) late for the divisional meeting.
10. It's true that humer (help / helps) people handle major crises in their lives.
11. It's important that Bruce (try / tries) to exercise more.

Infinitives and gerunds in place of the subjunctive

Certain statements in the subjunctive can be rephrased less formally by changing that to for and using an in infinitive.

• It is essential for John to find the time each day to relax. (= It is essential that John find the time each day to relax.)

An infinitive can also be used without a for phrase. It usually refers to “people in general.”

• It is essential to find the time each day to relax.

Certain statements in the subjunctive can be rephrased using a gerund if it refers to “people in general.”

• Dr. Sharpe recommends spending a few moments relaxing. (= Dr. Sharpe recommends that people spend a few moments relaxing.)

Activity 02

B Rewrite each sentence less formally, using infinitives and gerunds. Make any necessary changes.

1. It is crucial that you practice feng shui. (infinitive)
2. The article suggests that you carry lucky charms. (gerund)
3. The manager recommended that they finish the project fast. (gerund)
4. It is important that we get enough sleep every night. (infinitive)
5. The directions advise that you add salt. (infinitive)
6. It is necessary that she arrive at the theater by 4:00 P.M. (infinitive)

Activity 02

B Rewrite each sentence less formally, using infinitives and gerunds. Make any necessary changes.

1. It is crucial for you to practice feng shui.
2. The article suggests carrying lucky charms.
3. The manager recommended finishing the project fast.
4. It is important for us to get enough sleep every night.
5. The directions advise you to add salt.
6. It is necessary for her to arrive at the theater by 4:00 P.M.

Explaining cuase and result

In formal writing, connecting words and phrases are commonly used to clarify relationships between ideas. Use the following to focus on causes or results.

Causes

Use one of these phrases to focus on a cause.

Due to ___,As a result of ___,

Because of ___,As a consequence of ___,

As a result of a high workload, our work area may get messy. It may be difficult to stay on task due to constant interrumption by colleagues.

Results

Being a sentence with one of these words or phrases to focus on a result.

As a result, As a consequence,

Consequently, Therefore,

Colleagues may constantly interrumpt you work. Consequently, it may be difficult to stay focused.

Activity 03

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.

1. As a result of / As a result, I am not going outside.
2. As a result of / As a result the rain, I decided to stay home.
3. As a consequence of / As a consequence being in hospital, Shelly decided that she wanted to become a nurse.
4. As a consequence of / As a consequence, the government changed and the law was not passed.
5. I think I've stayed too long, therefore / due to I'm leaving in the morning.
6. Mr Foster has never been to China. Consequently / due to he knows very little about it.
7. The basement offers multiple possibilities as a consequence / due to its large size.
8. The apartment is very bright due to / therefore the large windows.

Activity 03

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.

1. As a result of / As a result, I am not going outside.
2. As a result of / As a result the rain, I decided to stay home.
3. As a consequence of / As a consequence being in hospital, Shelly decided that she wanted to become a nurse.
4. As a consequence of / As a consequence, the government changed and the law was not passed.
5. I think I've stayed too long, therefore / due to I'm leaving in the morning.
6. Mr Foster has never been to China. Consequently / due to he knows very little about it.
7. The basement offers multiple possibilities as a consequence / due to its large size.
8. The apartment is very bright due to / therefore the large windows.

Thank you

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