The subjunctive and formal structures
Use the subjunctive and other formal structures: I suggest he be…, It is essential that…, If I were…, Were it not for…, Be that as it may.
In this lesson you will
- Use the mandative subjunctive after suggest, insist, essential
- Use were-subjunctive and fixed expressions
- Know formal vs informal alternatives
Learn
Mandative subjunctive: after verbs and adjectives of demand, suggestion or importance, use the base form for all persons: I suggest that he take* a break. It is essential that every applicant be interviewed. They insisted she not leave.*
Common triggers: suggest, recommend, insist, demand, request, propose, ask; essential, vital, crucial, important, imperative. British English often uses should: I suggest that he should take…
were-subjunctive: If I were* you… ; I wish it were true. ; Were it not for your help, we would have failed. ; as it were.*
Fixed expressions: Be that as it may (even so); Come what may (whatever happens); So be it; God save…; Suffice it to say (I will only say that).
Examples
- The committee recommends that the policy be reviewed annually.
- It is vital that she not be told yet.
- Were it not for the delay, we would have arrived on time.
- Be that as it may, we still need a decision.
Vocabulary
subjunctive
a verb form for wishes, demands and hypotheses
imperative
extremely important
be that as it may
even so
suffice it to say
I will only say that
come what may
whatever happens
Practice
The doctor insisted that he ___ smoking.
Speaking
Give formal recommendations for improving your school or workplace, using I recommend that…, It is essential that… and I would suggest that… (base form).
Writing
Write the recommendations section of a formal report (120–150 words) using at least four subjunctive structures.
Lesson quiz
They requested that the meeting ___ postponed.
Review
Key points
- suggest/insist/essential + that + base form.
- should + base (British alternative).
- were-subjunctive: If I were, Were it not for.
- Fixed: be that as it may, come what may.
What you learned
- ✓ I use the subjunctive correctly.
- ✓ I know formal fixed expressions.
- ✓ I can write formal recommendations.
Grammar reference: Conditionals: zero, first, second and third, Wish and if only