C1 · Subjunctive — Lesson

The subjunctive in English

The subjunctive is a verb form used in formal English to express commands, suggestions, demands, and hypothetical conditions. It looks like the base form (no -s for he/she/it).

Mandative subjunctive

I suggest that he be on time. (not "is")

Were-subjunctive

If I were you, I would apologise. (not "was")

Fixed expressions

God save the Queen. Long live the King!

Mandative subjunctive — that clauses

Used after verbs of suggestion, recommendation, demand

verb + that + subject + base verb (no -s, no tense agreement) ✓

suggest

I suggest that he arrive early.

recommend

She recommends that we be there by 9.

demand / insist

They insist that he apologise.

propose

I propose that the meeting be postponed.

essential / important + that

It is essential that she be informed.

British vs American usage

British English

I suggest that he should arrive early.

should + base verb

She insists that he should apologise.

American English

I suggest that he arrive early.

bare subjunctive

She insists that he apologise.

Both forms are accepted internationally. The "should" form is more common in spoken British English; the bare subjunctive is standard in American formal writing and increasingly used in modern British written English.

"Were" subjunctive — hypothetical

If I were you...

If I were you, I would take the offer.

Wish + were

I wish I were taller.

As if / as though

He acts as if he were the boss.

Suppose / what if

Suppose she were to refuse — what would we do?

Informal speech accepts "was" (If I was you...). Formal/written/exam English requires were for all subjects.

Common mistakes

I suggest that he arrives early.

→

I suggest that he arrive early.

subjunctive after suggest → base form (no -s)

It is essential that she is informed.

→

It is essential that she be informed.

essential that + subjunctive (be, not is)

I wish I was richer. (in formal writing)

→

I wish I were richer.

formal/exam: were for all subjects

Recap

Mandative

suggest/recommend/insist + that + base verb

I suggest that he be early.

Important that

essential / important + that + base

It is vital that she be informed.

Were-subjunctive

If I were · I wish I were · as if he were

If I were you...

formal/exam/written English

informal speech accepts indicative

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