Scribd
Upload
14 views2 pages

Understanding the Subjunctive Mood

The document explains the use of the subjunctive mood in noun clauses, highlighting that it employs the simple form of verbs and is used after verbs expressing advice, necessity, and urgency. It provides examples and lists common verbs and expressions that require the subjunctive. Additionally, it notes the difference in usage between American and British English regarding the subjunctive.

Uploaded by

faravolarah
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
14 views2 pages

Understanding the Subjunctive Mood

The document explains the use of the subjunctive mood in noun clauses, highlighting that it employs the simple form of verbs and is used after verbs expressing advice, necessity, and urgency. It provides examples and lists common verbs and expressions that require the subjunctive. Additionally, it notes the difference in usage between American and British English regarding the subjunctive.

Uploaded by

faravolarah
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

The Subjunctive

Using the Subjunctive in Noun Clauses

(a) The teacher demands that we A subjunctive verb uses the simple form of
be on time. a verb. It does not have present, past, or
future forms; it is neither singular nor
(b) I insisted that he pay me the plural.
money. The subjunctive is used in noun clauses
following
(c) I recommended that she not verbs of advice, necessity, and urgency,
go to the concert. such as demand, insist, propose,
recommend, and suggest.
(d) It is important that they be Sentences with subjunctive verbs generally
told the truth. stress
importance or urgency. A subjunctive
verb is used in that-clauses that follow the
verbs and expressions listed below.
In (a): be is a subjunctive verb; its subject
is we.
In (b): pay (not pays, not paid) is a
subjunctive verb; it is in its simple form,
even though its subject (he) is singular.
Negative: not + simple form, as in (c).
Passive: simple form of be + past
participle, as in (d).

(e) I suggested that she see a Should is also possible after suggest and
doctor.
recommend*
(f) I suggested that she should see
a doctor.

Common verbs and expressions followed by the subjunctive in a noun clause


advise (that) propose (that) it is critical
(that) require (that)
concede (that) it is necessary (that)
request (that) demand (that) it is
important (that)
suggest (that) stipulate (that) it is
essential (that)
recommend (that) ask (that) it is
imperative (that) insist (that) beg (that)
it is vital (that)

It is essential that elderly people be treated with dignity.


It's important that she understand her options.
It was necessary that my father get medical treatment.

*The subjunctive is more common in American English than British English. In


British English, should + simple form is more usual than the subjunctive:
The teacher insists that we should be on time.

You might also like