SubjunctiveThe subjunctive is a special, relatively rare verb form in English.

Structure of the Subjunctive

The structure of the subjunctive is extremely simple. For all verbs except the past tense of be, the subjunctive is the same as the bare infinitive (infinitive without "to"):

be (past) be (present) all other verbs (past & present)

I wereyou werehe, she, it werewe wereyou werethey were

I beyou behe, she, it bewe beyou bethey be

I workyou workhe, she, it workwe workyou workthey work

The subjunctive does not change according to person (I, you, he etc).

Use of the Subjunctive

We use subjunctives mainly when talking about events that are not certain to happen. For example, we use the subjunctive when talking about events that somebody:

wants to happen anticipates will happen imagines happening

Look at these examples:

The President requests that you be present at the meeting. It is vital that you be present at the meeting. If you were at the meeting, the President would be happy.

The subjunctive is typically used after two structures:

the verbs: ask, command, demand, insist, propose, recommend, request, suggest + that the expressions: it is desirable, essential, important, necessary, vital + that

Here are some examples with the subjunctive:

The manager insists that the car park be locked at night. The board of directors recommended that he join the company. It is essential that we vote as soon as possible. It was necessary that every student submit his essay by the weekend.

Notice that in these structures the subjunctive is always the same. It does not matter whether the sentence is past or present. Look at these examples:

Present: The President requests that they stop the occupation. Past: The President requested that they stop the occupation.

Present: It is essential that she be present. Past: It was essential that she be present.

The use of the subjunctive as above is more common in American English than in English, where should + infinitive is often used:

The manager insists that the car park should be locked at night. It was essential that we should vote as soon as possible.

We usually use the subjunctive were instead of "was" after if (and other words with similar meaning). Look at these sentences:

If I were you, I would ask her. Suppose she were here. What would you say?

Why do we say "I were", "he were"?

We sometimes hear things like "if I were you, I would go" or "if he were here, he would tell you". Normally, the past tense of the verb "to be" is: I was, he was. But the if I were you structure does not use the past simple tense of the verb "to be". It uses the past subjunctive of the verb "to be". In the following examples, you can see that we often use the subjunctive form were instead of "was" after:

if as if wish suppose

Formal

(The were form is correct at all times.)

Informal

(The was form is possible in informal, familiar conversation.)

If I were younger, I would go. If I was younger, I would go.

If he weren't so mean, he would buy one for me.

If he wasn't so mean, he would buy one for me.

I wish I weren't so slow! I wish I wasn't so slow!

I wish it were longer. I wish it was longer.

It's not as if I were ugly. It's not as if I was ugly.

She acts as if she were Queen. She acts as if she was Queen.

If I were you, I should tell her.Note: We do not normally say "if I was you", even in familiar conversation.

Some fixed expressions use the subjunctive. Here are some examples:

Long live the King! God bless America! Heaven forbid! Be that as it may, he still wants to see her. Come what may, I will never forget you. We are all citizens of the world, as it were.

The Subjunctive  

That-Clause  

Verbs used with the Subjunctive  

The verb ‘be’  

Adjectives used with the Subjunctive  

Nouns used with the Subjunctive  

Less Formal Usage  

Fixed Expressions using the Subjunctive  

Were-Subjunctive  

  The subjunctive is a special kind of present tense, using an infinitive that has no

–s in the third person singular. It is often used when talking about something that somebody must do.

I insist (that) your friend leave this house at once. The subjunctive is a formal construction. It is more commonly used in American

English than in British English, and more often in the written form than in the spoken form. It was used much more frequently in old English, but many of these forms have now disappeared in modern English.

  That-clause It is often used with a that-clause, especially in American English, to formally

express the idea that something is important or essential. I demand that he leave at once. Verbs used with the Subjunctive Other verbs that are commonly used with the subjunctive are: advise, ask, beg,

decide, decree, desire, dictate, insist, intend, move, order, petition, propose, recommend, request, require, resolve, suggest, urge, and vote.

Tom suggested that his friends stay over for the night. Sam proposed that Tom telephone his accountant. She recommended that he go and see a doctor.             The manager requested that everyone put their requests in writing.             He insisted that she stay until the end of the week.

            The Queen commands that he attend the ceremony.             He urged that a business manager be hired to help things run more smoothly.             I simply requested, politely, that she refrain from smoking in my house.             Sam recommended that you join the committee.             The professor asked that Tim submit his research paper before the end of the week. 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 honour of Jupiter. Adjectives used with the Subjunctive Some adjectives can be followed by a subjunctive verb, like anxious,

determined, 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. 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. 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.  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 disagree/criticise (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 obvious/I will give a short explanation)

Were-Subjunctive In hypothetical sentences, were is usually used instead of was: If I were you, I’d learn how to drive. I wish it were Friday. It is important to note that was can also be used (although still considered

incorrect by some grammarians), and is, in fact, more common in informal English.

Sometimes I wish I was/were taller.