Understanding the Subjunctive in English

The subjunctive mood in English is used to express hypothetical situations, wishes, demands, suggestions, or conditions that are contrary to fact. Unlike the indicative mood, which states facts, the subjunctive conveys uncertainty, necessity, or speculation.

Formation of the Subjunctive in English

The present subjunctive is typically formed using the base form of the verb, regardless of the subject.

• In third-person singular, the usual -s ending is omitted.

• The verb be is always be in the present subjunctive and were in the past subjunctive.

Examples:

Indicative	Subjunctive
She is happy.	I suggest that she be happy.
He works hard.	It is important that he work hard.
She was here.	If she were here, we would start.

Usage of the Subjunctive Mood in English

1. Expressing Wishes and Hypothetical Situations

The subjunctive is used with verbs like wish or if clauses that express unreal conditions.

• I wish I were taller. (Contrary to reality)

• If he were smarter, he would pass the test.

• She acts as if she were the boss.

2. Expressing Demands, Suggestions, and Necessity

Used after verbs like demand, suggest, recommend, insist, require, and expressions like it is important that...

• I suggest that she be on time.

• It is necessary that he leave early.

• They demanded that the rule be changed.

3. Fixed Expressions and Formal Usage

The subjunctive appears in certain fixed phrases, often used in formal contexts:

• God save the Queen!

• Heaven forbid!

• Long live the King!

• Suffice it to say...

4. Subjunctive in Legal and Formal Language

In legal, academic, and formal writing, the subjunctive is commonly used to express necessity or obligation:

• It is required that all applicants submit their documents by Friday.

• The judge ordered that he be released immediately.

• The law mandates that every citizen pay taxes.

Common Triggers for the Subjunctive

• Verbs that express requests, demands, or suggestions: suggest, recommend, demand, insist, require, ask, urge

• Impersonal expressions: It is important that, it is necessary that, it is essential that

• Hypothetical conditions: If I were you, If he were here

• Set phrases: God bless you, So be it, Heaven help us

• Legal and formal writing: It is imperative that, The contract stipulates that

Practice Sentences

Fill in the blanks with the correct subjunctive form:

1. I wish she ___ (be) here.

2. It is necessary that he ___ (arrive) on time.

3. If I ___ (be) you, I would accept the offer.

4. They insisted that the meeting ___ (start) immediately.

5. Heaven ___ (help) us all!

6. The professor suggested that the student ___ (submit) the assignment early.

7. If he ___ (be) more careful, he wouldn’t have made that mistake.

8. The company requires that employees ___ (be) punctual.

9. The contract stipulates that the payment ___ (be) made in advance.

10. It is crucial that everyone ___ (follow) the safety guidelines.