The Subjunctive

What is the subjunctive?

The subjunctive is a special verb form. We use it to talk about things that should happen or things that are not real. In English it is simple: it usually looks like the base form of the verb (the infinitive without "to"), with no -s, even after he, she and it.

The doctor recommended that he take a week off work.

In a normal present-tense sentence we say "he takes". Here we say "he take", because the sentence is about what should happen, not about a fact. There is also a were form for unreal situations: "If I were you, I'd call them."

How to form the subjunctive

The base-form subjunctive (after suggest, insist, it is essential that ...)

The verb is the same for every subject. There is no -s, and no change for past time.

Negative

Put not before the base form. Do not use "don't" or "doesn't".

Passive

Use be + past participle for every subject.

The were-subjunctive

In unreal sentences, were can be used for every subject, including I, he, she and it.

When to use the subjunctive

1. After verbs of suggesting, asking and demanding

Common verbs: suggest, recommend, insist, demand, request, propose, require, ask, urge. The pattern is verb + that + subject + base form.

• My landlord insisted that I pay the rent by the first of the month.
• The nurse suggested that he drink more water.
• The committee proposed that the new rules be introduced in January.
• Our team lead asked that nobody book holidays in December.

The verb stays in the base form even when the main verb is past: "She demanded that he leave." (not "left").

2. After adjectives like essential, vital and important

Common adjectives: essential, vital, important, necessary, crucial, imperative. The pattern is It is + adjective + that + subject + base form.

• It is essential that every driver carry a valid licence.
• It is important that she be told before the meeting.
• It was vital that the documents not be lost.

3. After nouns from the same verbs

The same pattern follows nouns like suggestion, recommendation, requirement, demand, insistence, proposal.

• The requirement that each applicant provide two references is clearly stated.
• I agree with your suggestion that we start earlier.

4. The were-subjunctive in unreal sentences

Use were after if, as if, as though, wish, if only and suppose / imagine when something is not true or not likely.

• If I were you, I'd take the job in Calgary.
• He talks as if he were the boss.
• I wish the commute were shorter.
• Were she to accept the offer, she would move in March. (formal; see Inversion)

5. Fixed expressions

Some old subjunctive forms survive only in set phrases. Learn them as whole phrases.

• Be that as it may, we still have to finish by Friday.
• I'll work on Saturday if need be.

Subjunctive vs should vs normal verb forms

After suggest, insist, recommend and similar words, English has three options. They mean the same thing, but the register (how formal it sounds) is different.

The base form is the safest choice in exams, reports and formal emails. All three are used, so you will see each of them.

Be careful: suggest and insist can report facts

When insist or suggest report a fact or an opinion about what is true, use a normal verb, not the subjunctive.

• He insisted that he was innocent. (= he said strongly that it was true)
• He insisted that we be on time. (= he demanded it)
• The results suggest that the treatment works. (= the results show it)

"If I were" or "if I was"?

Both are used. Were is more formal and is standard in writing. Was is very common in everyday speech: "If I was rich, I'd travel more." In the fixed phrase If I were you, use were.

Common mistakes

1. Adding -s after he, she or it in formal writing

• Avoid in formal writing: I suggest that she applies online. (used in informal British English)
• Correct: I suggest that she apply online.
• In formal English the verb has no -s after these words, for every subject.

2. Changing the verb to the past

• Wrong: She demanded that he paid for the damage.
• Correct: She demanded that he pay for the damage.
• The subjunctive does not change for past time.

3. Using do or does in the negative

• Wrong: It is essential that she does not be late.
• Correct: It is essential that she not be late.
• In the subjunctive, put "not" directly before the base form.

4. Using suggest + object + to-infinitive

• Wrong: She suggested me to call the bank.
• Correct: She suggested that I call the bank. / She suggested calling the bank.
• "Suggest" does not take the pattern "suggest someone to do".

5. Using would in the if-clause

• Wrong: If I would be you, I'd ask for a refund.
• Correct: If I were you, I'd ask for a refund.
• Unreal if-clauses use "were", not "would be".

6. Using the subjunctive for facts

• Wrong: The report suggests that sales be falling.
• Correct: The report suggests that sales are falling.
• Here "suggest" means "shows", so we use the normal verb.

Quick reference

Common questions

Is it "I suggest he go" or "I suggest he goes"?

"I suggest he go" is the subjunctive and is correct in formal English. "I suggest he goes" is common in informal British English. "I suggest he should go" is also correct, mainly in British English.

Can I leave out "that"?

Yes, in less formal sentences: "I suggest you call them first." In formal writing, keeping "that" is clearer.

Is "if I was" wrong?

No. It is common in speech. "If I were" is more formal and is the better choice in writing and exams.

Practise next

• Conditionals — "if I were" in the second conditional
• Wish and If Only — "were" after wish
• Inversion — "Were she to ..." and "Should you need ..."
• Register: Formal and Informal Grammar — when formal forms fit
• Quiz: Subjunctive and Formal Structures — test yourself at C2 level