Subjunctive Verbs – Study Guide
What is the Subjunctive?
The subjunctive is a special verb form used to express wishes, suggestions, recommendations,
requests, or hypothetical situations. It often appears in formal English or academic writing to describe
events that are not certain to happen.
Examples:
We insist he stay the night.
I recommend she see a doctor.
They suggest we be very careful with the experiment.
The thief demanded that she give him her jewelry.
Present Subjunctive Form
In the present subjunctive, the verb remains in its base form (be, have, do, go, sing, work). Do not add -s,
-es, or -ed endings. The subjunctive does not change according to subject.
Using the Subjunctive in 'That' Clauses
The subjunctive commonly follows verbs, nouns, or adjectives in a 'that' clause.
1. Verb + that + subject + base verb
The board recommended that he join the company.
Common Verbs: advise, ask, command, demand, desire, insist, order, prefer, propose, recommend,
request, suggest.
2. Noun + that + subject + base verb
He made a proposal that the company buy more land.
Common Nouns: command, demand, order, proposal, recommendation, request, suggestion.
3. Adjective + that + subject + base verb
Tara is anxious that you return quickly.
Common Adjectives: advisable, best, crucial, desirable, essential, imperative, important, necessary,
urgent, vital, anxious, determined, keen.
Subjunctive in the Passive Voice
The passive subjunctive is used when the subject receives the action. It is common in formal and
academic writing such as reports or proposals.
Structure: subject + that + object + be + past participle
Examples:
The committee recommended that the report be revised.
It is essential that the artwork be completed before the exhibition.
The professor insisted that the paper be submitted by Friday.
“It + Be + Adjective” + Subjunctive
This structure expresses necessity, importance, or urgency and is widely used in academic, business,
and professional English.
Structure: It + be + adjective + that + subject + base verb
Examples:
It is crucial that every student submit a proposal.
It is important that the design be tested before production.
It is vital that artists maintain creative independence.
It is essential that she arrive on time.
Common Adjectives: essential, crucial, important, necessary, vital, imperative, urgent, advisable, best.
The 'Were' Subjunctive
The form were is used for wishes, hypothetical, or imaginary situations. It stays the same for all
subjects.
Examples:
If I were a man, I would be paid more.
She wishes she were rich.
I would go if I were younger.
She acts as if she were the queen.
I wish I weren’t so slow.
Suppose she were here—what would you say?
Quick Comparison
Indicative: I know that he studies every day. (Fact)
Infinitive: I want him to study harder. (Desire)
Subjunctive: I suggest that he study harder. (Recommendation)
Key Takeaways
• The subjunctive shows that something is desired, suggested, or imagined rather than factual.
• Verbs, nouns, and adjectives that express recommendation, necessity, or urgency often trigger the
subjunctive.
• In the present subjunctive, always use the base verb form—no -s or -ed endings.
• Use were (not was) for hypothetical or wish clauses.
• In formal English, use subjunctive structures to sound professional and precise.