The Rule
The subjunctive is a verb form used to express recommendations, requirements, hypothetical situations, and formal wishes. It is more common in formal written English and American English.
| Type | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Present subjunctive | After suggest, recommend, insist, propose, require, demand, request — followed by that | I suggest that she attend the meeting. (not attends) |
| Were subjunctive | Hypothetical after if, as if, as though, wish | If I were you, I would reconsider. / I wish he were here. |
| Fixed expressions | Formal set phrases | Be that as it may / Far be it from me / Come what may |
Present subjunctive = base form of verb (no -s, no was/were):
✗ I recommend that he attends the seminar.
✓ I recommend that he attend the seminar.
✗ It is essential that every employee is aware of the policy.
✓ It is essential that every employee be aware of the policy.
British English alternative: should + infinitive is often used instead:
I suggest that she should attend the meeting. (equally correct)
✗ I recommend that he attends the seminar.
✓ I recommend that he attend the seminar.
✗ It is essential that every employee is aware of the policy.
✓ It is essential that every employee be aware of the policy.
British English alternative: should + infinitive is often used instead:
I suggest that she should attend the meeting. (equally correct)
Common Mistakes
I recommend that she attends the board meeting this Thursday.
I recommend that she attend the board meeting this Thursday.
It is vital that he submits the report before the deadline.
It is vital that he submit the report before the deadline.
If I was in your position, I would seek legal advice immediately.
If I were in your position, I would seek legal advice immediately.
I wish I was able to help — unfortunately I don't have capacity.
I wish I were able to help — unfortunately I don't have capacity.
Gap Fill — Press Enter to Check
Error Correction
Multiple Choice
Put the Words in the Correct Order
Sentence Transformation — Press Enter to Check
Conversation Practice
1
Make 3 formal recommendations using 'I suggest that...', 'I recommend that...', 'It is essential that...' about a real work situation.
2
Use the were-subjunctive: 'If I were...' / 'I wish I were...' to talk about hypothetical professional situations.
3
When might you use the subjunctive in your work emails or reports? Can you think of examples?
Homework
Write a formal memo (8 sentences) making recommendations for a new company policy. Use the subjunctive at least 4 times: 'I recommend that...', 'It is essential that...', 'I propose that...', 'The policy requires that...'