Grammar: Advanced Verb Forms
B2 Lesson 5: The Subjunctive Mood
Why It Matters: Formal & Correct English
The subjunctive is used in formal English to talk about things that are not facts (like demands, recommendations, or wishes). Using it correctly makes your writing sound more professional.
The manager insists that he attends the meeting.
The manager insists that he attend the meeting.
The Grammar Rules 📖
Rule 1: The Present Subjunctive
After certain formal verbs and adjective phrases, we use the structure: that + Subject + Base Form Verb. The verb never gets an "-s", even for he/she/it.
Common Trigger Verbs: suggest, recommend, demand, insist, request, propose.
- "I recommend that he apply for the job." (not 'applies')
Common Trigger Phrases: It is vital/essential/important/necessary that...
- "It is essential that she attend the meeting." (not 'attends')
Rule 2: The Past Subjunctive (for Unreal Situations)
We use the past subjunctive to talk about unreal situations in the present, like wishes or hypothetical advice. The most common form is using were instead of 'was' for all subjects.
- Second Conditional: "If I were you, I would take the job."
- Wishes: "I wish I were on holiday right now."
💡 Pro Tip: Formality is Key
The subjunctive mood is much more common in formal writing (academic, business) than in casual conversation. Using it correctly will make your formal writing sound much more professional and sophisticated.
Practice Your Grammar 🎯
Exercise 1: Choose the Correct Form
Choose the correct verb form to complete each sentence.
- The doctor recommended that he _______ more rest. (gets / get)
→ Answer: get - It is important that every student _______ their best. (try / tries)
→ Answer: try - The new policy requires that all staff _______ a uniform. (wear / wears)
→ Answer: wear - If only I _______ richer! (was / were)
→ Answer: were
Your Grammar Mission ⭐
Write Formal Sentences
Rewrite these simple ideas as more formal sentences using the subjunctive and the trigger phrase in brackets.
- Idea: Everyone should arrive on time. [It is crucial that...]
→ Answer: It is crucial that everyone arrive on time. - Idea: He needs to finish the report today. [The manager insists that...]
→ Answer: The manager insists that he finish the report today. - Idea: She should consider our proposal. [We suggest that...]
→ Answer: We suggest that she consider our proposal.
Key Vocabulary
- Subjunctive Mood A verb form used for unreal situations like wishes, proposals, or demands.
- Recommendation A suggestion that something is good or suitable.
- Hypothesis An idea or explanation that has not yet been proven to be true.
- Base Form The simplest form of a verb, without any endings (e.g., go, be, have).