The subjunctive
recommend that he take…, It is essential that…
The rules
- After recommend, suggest, insist or demand + that, formal English uses the base form: "he take".
- After "It is essential/vital/important that", the subjunctive uses the base form "be".
- "that she come" is the subjunctive. "that she comes" is also common in British English, but it is not the subjunctive.
- In formal unreal conditionals, use "were" for every person: "If I were you".
- Passive subjunctive: "that it be reversed".
- "Be that as it may" means "even so". Other fixed ones: "so be it", "God save the King".
Examples
- The doctor recommended that he take more exercise.
- It is essential that every student be on time.
- I insist that she come.
- If I were you, I would accept the offer.
- They demanded that the decision be reversed.
- Be that as it may
Quick check
Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1.The doctor recommended that he _____ more exercise.
2.It is essential that every student _____ on time.
3.Which sentence uses the subjunctive?
4.If I _____ you, I would accept the offer.
5.They demanded that the decision _____ reversed.