When to use the subjunctive - rules and guidelines

The subjunctive verb form is used to express wishes, suggestions or imagined situations. It is also used
after formal verbs and following formal expressions.

Here are some rules and guidelines to follow in writing and speech :

 Use the subjunctive after certain verbs such as suggest, insist, demand, and recommend. For
example, "I recommend that he be more careful next time".

 Use the subjunctive after certain expressions such as if, unless, and as if/as though. So, "If I were
you, I would take a break".

 Use the subjunctive after certain adjectives such as important, necessary, and urgent. For
example, "It's important that he arrive on time".

 Use the subjunctive after certain conjunctions such as before, so that, and in case. For example,
"He left early in case there be traffic".

 Use the past subjunctive (were) instead of the past tense (was) in certain situations such as in
hypothetical statements. For example, "If I were a fish, I would swim away".

It's important that... It's necessary that... I suggest that... I demand that... If only... If I were... Unless... So
that... In case...

Present Subjunctive:

The present subjunctive is used to express wishes, suggestions, recommendations, and demands. It is
typically formed by using the base form of the verb, regardless of the subject. The structure is as follows:
“Subject + base form of the verb.”

Example: I suggest that she study for the exam.

Past Subjunctive:

The past subjunctive is used to express contrary-to-fact statements, unreal conditions, and hypothetical
situations in the past. It is often formed by using the past simple form of the verb. However, in modern
English, the past subjunctive is often identical to the past simple tense. The structure is: “Subject + past
simple form of the verb.”

Example: If I were you, I would have gone to the party.

If I were you, I’d try using a bigger The rules demand that all children It is vital that every child bring their
bucket. be in school by 9am. own water bottle for Sports Day.
If you were a little bit taller, you’d Mr. Lee requires that the class Is it necessary that you go to the
be able to reach the switch. representatives go to the school toilet right now?
council meeting this afternoon.
If we were a bit earlier, we might Might I suggest that your daughter It is essential that every child walk
have seen the sunrise. wait inside when it’s raining? sensibly when the fire alarm is
sounding.
If you were younger, would you be The headteacher proposes that It is important that your child bring
scared by this story? each class choose a different a packed lunch on next week’s
charity to raise funds for this year. school trip.
Were I a younger man, I’d have run Could it be suggested that Class 3 It is imperative that every child
all the way! love PE lessons because they have have a change of clothes for forest
 their favourite teacher? school sessions.
Were I the kind of person who The letter states that your son wear It is recommended that your child
could sew, I’d make you a new bag. uniform on this trip. stay at home if symptoms persist.
I would have a go if I were braver. I must insist that your child attend Is it essential that your child bring
this compulsory rehearsal. three cartons of juice to school
every day?

Subjunctive Exercise 1

All of the examples below require the subjunctive form. Choose the correct answer.

1. 1. What did your customer say about the quote?

a. She requested that I matched a competitor's price.

b. She requested that I match a competitor's price.

c. She requested me to match a competitor's price.

2. 2. The law is always changing and ______________________________________

a. it's extremely important that we are aware of any changes.

b. it's extremely important that we be aware of any changes.

c. it's extremely important being aware of any changes.

3. 3. The customer was extremely upset. ___________________________________________

a. He demanded refunding his money.

b. He demanded that we refunded his money.

c. He demanded we refund his money.

4. 4. I can’t take any days off around Christmas.

a. Our supervisor insists that we not take vacation during the holidays.

b. Our supervisor insists that we don't take vacation during the holidays.

c. Our supervisor insisted that we didn't take vacation during the holidays.

5. 5. What did John suggest?

a. He suggested that we consulted an expert before deciding.

b. He suggested us that we consult an expert before deciding.

c. He suggested that we consult an expert before deciding.

6. 6. We don’t want to lose any more employees.

a. It's important we to keep our staff motivated and happy.

b. It's important that we keep our staff motivated and happy.

c. It's important keeping our staff motivated and happy.

7. 7. Kevin knows what he’s talking about. ______________________________________

b. I recommend you to take his advice.

c. I recommend that you takes his advice.

Subjunctive Exercise 2

Some of the examples below require the subjunctive form. Choose the correct answer. Note that not all
of the correct answers will be in the subjunctive.

1. 1. I have some free time this afternoon. ______________________________

a. Do you want that I help you with your report?

b. Do you want me to help you with your report?

c. Do you want I help you with your report?

2. 2. During the meeting, _______________________________________

a. I proposed that we restructure the department.

b. I proposed them to restructure the department.

c. I proposed that we restructured the department.

3. 3. I asked Paula for help but ________________________________

a. she refused to help me.

b. she refused that she help me.

c. she refused helping me.

4. 4. I think _______________________________________

a. It's good you be taking on more responsibility.

b. It's good that you be taking on more responsibility.

c. It's good that you're taking on more responsibility.

5. 5. Please don’t be late for the meeting. ___________________________________

a. It's important that we will make a good impression.

b. It's important we make a good impression.

c. It's important making a good impression.

6. 6. Someone in my department _________________________________

a. demanded she was paid more.

b. demanded she be paid more.

c. demanded that they paid her more.

7. 7. At my monthly meeting with my supervisor, she ___________________________________

b. suggested me to get an additional certification.

c. suggested that I get an additional certification.