Subjunctive Verbs
➤ Subjunctive verbs are used to talk about unreal, hypothetical, desirable, or imaginary situations.
➤ They are often used in that-clauses in formal English, especially in American English, after words that express importance, suggestion, necessity, or desire.
Common Words Used with the Subjunctive
- suggest
- recommend
- ask
- insist
- propose
- demand
- order
- essential
- vital
Present Subjunctive
In the present subjunctive we use:
1️⃣ the base form of the verb (without -s or -es) even if the subject is singular.
Structure:
Subject + verb/ expression + that + subject + base form of verb
❌ The doctor suggested that the patient take a light diet.
✅ The doctor suggested that the patient take a light diet.
2️⃣ The verb 'be' is used as be for all subjects.
❌The teacher insisted that he be present in the class.
✅The teacher insisted that he be present in the class.
Subjunctive with “Should”
In formal or British English, “should” may be used in a that-clause after verbs of suggestion, demand, advice, or recommendation. This expresses the same idea as the present subjunctive.
Structure:
Verb + that + subject + should + base form of verb
Examples:
- The doctor suggested that he should take a light diet.
- The teacher recommended that she should study harder.
Past Subjunctive
The past subjunctive is used to express unreal, imaginary, or unlikely situations.
The verb 'were' is commonly used for all subjects.
1️⃣ After “It is time + subject”
Used to show that something should have happened earlier.
Structure:
It is time + subject + past form
❌ It is time you apply for the job.
✅ It is time you applied for the job.
2️⃣ After “If only/I wish/Would that”
Used to express present unreal wish.
Examples
- If only she were here now!
- I wish I were a king.
- Would that he were rich!
Present Wish or Regret
- He wishes he lived in a big city.
Past Regret
- He wished he had lived in a big city.
3️⃣ After “If” (Unreal Conditions)
Used to show improbability or an unreal situation.
Example
- If I were you, I would help him.
4️⃣ After “Would rather + subject”
Used to show preference.
Example
- I would rather he called me.
5️⃣ After “As if/As though”
Used to indicate an unreal or imaginary situation.
Example
- She cried as if she were mad.
Important Note:
In formal subjunctive usage, “were” is preferred for all subjects instead of “was” in unreal situations.
❌ If I was rich, I would travel the world.
✅ If I were rich, I would travel the world.
Signal Words for Subjunctive
Subjunctive verbs often appear after certain verbs, expressions, or structures that show suggestion, importance, necessity, wish, or unreal situations.
Suggestion / Demand
- suggest
- recommend
- insist
- propose
- demand
- ask
Importance/Necessity
- important
- essential
- vital
- necessary
- advisable
Wish Expressions
- I wish
- If only
- Would that
Unreal Conditions
- if
- as if
- as though
Common Mistakes in Subjunctive
❌ The teacher suggested that he works hard.
✅ The teacher suggested that he work hard.
❌ If I was you, I would accept the offer.
✅ If I were you, I would accept the offer.
❌ She insisted that he to leave immediately.
✅ She insisted that he leave immediately.
❌ I wish he will come today.
✅ I wish he came today.
❌ I wish he will come today.
✅ I wish he came today.
Exam Tips
✔ After suggest, recommend, insist, demand, use base form of the verb.
Example:
The teacher suggested that he study harder.
✔ In unreal conditions, use were for all subjects.
Example:
If she were here, she would help us.
✔ After I wish / If only, use past form to express unreal situations.
Example:
I wish I knew the answer.
✔ After It is time + subject, use past form.
Example:
It is time we started the meeting.