What is the English subjunctive? How to use the Subjunctive in English

The Subjunctive is a grammatical concept in English. In the following article, PREP will help you understand the definition, formula, and commonly used words of the English subjunctive. Let's dive in!

I. What is the English subjunctive?

What is the English subjunctive? The Subjunctive is a special form in English grammar that is often used to emphasize the importance or urgency of doing something. Therefore, the Subjunctive is commonly used to give advice. For example:

• The coach recommended that John stop playing soccer. 
• If Maria were taller, she would take part in all the competitions. 

II. The formula of the English subjunctive

Let's explore the formula of the English subjunctive with PREP right below!

1. Subjunctive form in the present tense

For the Subjunctive form in the present tense, the verbs used in the sentence are always in their base form for all subjects.

For example:

• He’ll join the band on the condition that he be the backup singer. 
• My boss demands Jennie work more than 9 hours a day.

2. Subjunctive form in the past tense

For the past subjunctive form, it only occurs with the verb "to be." "Were" is used for all cases.

For example:

• If I were you, I would study even harder to get the higher mark.
• It is urgent that many houses were damaged after the earthquake. 

III. Words/phrases used in the English subjunctive

Below is a list of some verbs and adjectives commonly used in the English subjunctive. Let's explore their meanings and examples with PREP right below!

1. Commonly used verbs

2. Commonly used adjectives

IV. Exercises on the English subjunctive with answers

To better understand the formula and usage of the English subjunctive, let's complete the following exercises with PREP!

1. Exercises.

Exercise 1: Find and correct mistakes in these sentences

1. I ask that Jackson reconsiders your decision.
2. I advise that you consulted with a professional before making a decision.
3. The teacher commanded that Peter completes the assignment by Friday.
4. I desire that the project will be completed ahead of schedule.
5. The protesters demanded that the government addresses their concerns.
6. I insist that Nancy attends the meeting in person.
7. I recommend that Alex tries the new restaurant downtown.
8. Jenifer proposed that Hulk collaborates on the upcoming project.
9. I request that Richard provides more details in your report.
10. Liz suggested that I tried the shop on Mill Road.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

1. What did your customer say about the quote?_______________
   1.  She requested that I matched a competitor's price.
   2.  She requested that I match a competitor's price.
   3.  She requested me to match a competitor's price.
2. The law is always changing and _______________
   1.  it's extremely important that we are aware of any changes.
   2.  it's extremely important that we be aware of any changes.
   3.  It's extremely important being aware of any changes.
3. The customer was extremely upset. _______________
   1.  He demanded refunding his money.
   2.  He demanded that we refunded his money.
   3.  He demanded we refund his money.
4. I can’t take any days off around Christmas. _______________
   1. Our supervisor insists that we not take vacation during the holidays.
   2.  Our supervisor insists that we don't take vacation during the holidays.
   3.  Our supervisor insisted that we didn't take vacation during the holidays.
5. What did John suggest? _______________
   1. He suggested that we consulted an expert before deciding.
   2.  He suggested us that we consult an expert before deciding.
   3.  He suggested that we consult an expert before deciding.
6.  We don’t want to lose any more employees. _______________
   1. It's important we to keep our staff motivated and happy.
   2.  It's important that we keep our staff motivated and happy.
   3.  It's important keeping our staff motivated and happy.
7. Kevin knows what he’s talking about. _______________
   1. I recommend that you take his advice.
   2.  I recommend you to take his advice.
   3.  I recommend that you takes his advice.
8. During the meeting, _______________
   1. I proposed that we restructure the department.
   2.  I proposed them to restructure the department.
   3.  I proposed that we restructured the department.
9. Please don’t be late for the meeting. _______________
   1. It's important that we will make a good impression.
   2.  It's important we make a good impression.
   3.  It's important making a good impression.
10. I think _______________
    1. It's good you be taking on more responsibility.
    2.  It's good that you be taking on more responsibility.
    3.  It's good that you're taking on more responsibility.

2. Answer.

Exercise 1:

1. reconsiders ➞ reconsider 
2. consulted ➞ consult 
3. completes ➞ complete 
4. will be completed ➞ be completed
5. addresses ➞ address 
6. attends ➞ attend 
7. tries ➞ try 
8. collaborates ➞ collaborate 
9. provides ➞ provide 
10. tried ➞ try

Exercise 2: 

PREP hopes that through this article, you have gained a clearer understanding of the definition and usage of the English subjunctive. Keep following PREP to update your English knowledge even more! Good luck!