Unit 5.2
Subjunctives
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Introduction
Subjunctive is a verb tense that refers to actions that are possibilities rather than facts.
Form
Subjunctive has the same structure of simple present with the exception that we do not add -s at the end of the verb for the third person singular.
When we want to use irregular verbs, we keep their basic forms, for example:
- to be is be;
- to have is have;
- to go is go.
NOTE: After subjunctives there always is a that clause, where we can also omit the word that.
Example
- I demand (that) he wait on table.
- You recommended (that) he move to another apartment.
- He suggested (that) we eat healthier from now on.
- Is it vital (that) they be in the farm?
- They insisted (that) you go to take care of children.
Use
We use subjunctives to stress urgency or importance, to express desires, demands and recommendations.
The main verbs that we use before subjunctives are: demand, insist, recommend, suggest…
The main adjectives we use before subjunctives are: essential, important,vital…
NOTE: Subjunctive is not common in Modern English and it is used only in formal situations and set phrases, such as: God save the Queen, God bless you, God help us…
Summary
Subjunctive is a verb tense that refers to actions that are possibilities rather than facts. We use them to stress urgency or importance, to express desires, demands and recommendations. There are some main words that we use before subjunctive, such as: demand, insist, recommend, suggest, essential, important,vital etc.
It has the same structure with simple present, but without the -s in the third person singular. The irregular verbs keep their basic forms. After subjunctives there is always a that clause, where we can also omit the word that.
For example:
— “He recommended (that) we reduce the sugar.” = We use the subjuncive reduce after the verb recommended.
— “It is essential (that) you become more flexible if you want to be an acrobat.” = We use the subjunctive of the irregular verb become after the adjective essential.
NOTE: Subjunctive is not common in Modern English and it is used only in formal situations and set phrases, such as: God save the Queen, God bless you, God help us…
Let’s revise this content within the {Form} section. Take a look at the {Example} section that shows its use within a context.
Exercises
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