The Subjunctive Mood: Demands, Requests, & Suggestions
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Learn the second main use of the subjunctive: for 'that' clauses following verbs of demand, recommendation, or request (e.g., 'I recommend that she go'). This involves using the base form of the verb.
The Subjunctive Mood: Demands, Requests, & Suggestions
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What is the main rule for using the subjunctive mood after a verb of demand or suggestion?
Use the structure: [verb of demand] + 'that' + [subject] + [base form of the verb]. The base form is the infinitive without 'to' (e.g., 'be', 'go', 'do').
List five common verbs that trigger this use of the subjunctive.
Suggest, recommend, demand, insist, require, request, propose, ask (in the sense of 'request').
Correct the error: "The teacher insists that every student is on time."
Correct: "The teacher insists that every student be on time." After 'insists that,' use the base form 'be', not 'is'.
Correct the error: "I recommend that she goes to the doctor."
Correct: "I recommend that she go to the doctor." After 'recommend that,' use the base form 'go', not 'goes'.
Fill in the blank: "The committee proposed that the meeting _____ postponed."
The committee proposed that the meeting be postponed.
Fill in the blank: "It is essential that he _____ the instructions carefully."
It is essential that he read the instructions carefully. (The base form is 'read'). This structure also applies to adjectives of importance (essential, vital, crucial).
Why does the subjunctive form seem strange in these sentences?
It can seem strange because the verb does not get conjugated for the subject. For example, we say "that he go" instead of the indicative "he goes." This is a key feature to recognize on a test.
Does the tense of the main verb (e.g., 'suggested' vs. 'suggest') change the subjunctive verb form?
No. The verb in the 'that' clause remains in the base form regardless of whether the main verb is past or present. "I suggest that he go" and "I suggested that he go" are both correct.
Correct the sentence: "The law requires that all drivers have insurance."
This sentence is already correct. 'Have' is the base form of the verb, used properly after 'requires that'.
Fill in the blank: "His lawyer requested that the judge _____ the evidence."
His lawyer requested that the judge review the evidence.
What is the subjunctive form for a negative command or suggestion?
Use 'not' before the base form of the verb. Example: "The doctor recommended that he not delay treatment."
Fill in the blank with the correct negative subjunctive: "It is important that she _____ late."
