3. The verb ‘be’
‘Be’ has special subjunctive forms: I be, you be, she be, they be, etc.
• It is vital that you be truthful about what happened. • He suggested that she be more vocal in the next meeting.
• She urged that the matter be resolved in a family court. • Hadrian decreed that a new temple be built in the honor of Jupiter.
4. Adjectives used with the Subjunctive
Some adjectives can be followed by a subjunctive verb, like anxious, determined, and eager
.
• He was determined that they not separate. • The political campaign is eager that their candidate step out of the
shadows. • I am anxious that he discuss this with me soon.
Certain adjectives can also be used with the subjunctive and `It`, like advisable, critical, desirable, essential, fitting, imperative, important,
necessary, vital.
• It is imperative that you get home before dark. • It is important that everyone follow the rules.
• It is necessary that everyone be calm in times of danger. • It is essential that you arrive before 5pm.
• It is critical that the prime minister address those sensitive issues. • It was vital that everything be done on time.
• It is crucial that we make it successful.
5. Nouns used with the Subjunctive
There are also nouns that can be followed by a subjunctive verb, like advice, condition, demand, directive, intention, order, proposal,
recommendation, request, suggestion, wish.
• My advice is that the company invest in new equipment. • She is free to leave, on condition that she commit no further offence.
• His deep wish is that his daughter go to university.
6. Less Formal Usage
There are several alternatives to the very formal standard subjunctive:
Should
This construction is more common than the subjunctive in British English:
• Tom suggested that his friends should stay overnight. • She recommended that he should go and see his doctor.
The Indicative
This construction is also used sometimes in British English, but is rare in American English:
• She has demanded that the machinery undergoes vigorous tests to ensure high quality.
It is imperative that more decisions are made by the shareholders.
For + Infinitive
• It is essential for everyone to be informed of the new regulations.
No Tense Change
In colloquial English, it is possible to not make a tense change: • She demanded that he left.
• She felt that it was necessary that she wrote a thank you letter to them.
7. 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
disagreecriticize 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 obviousI will give a short explanation
8. Were-Subjunctive
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