Verbs and expressions that, like "demand," are followed by the subjunctive in English typically express
commands, suggestions, requests, or necessity.
Here are examples of verbs and expressions that fit this pattern:
1. Verbs followed by the subjunctive
These verbs are often used with that-clauses, and the verb in the subordinate clause is in the base form
(subjunctive).
Demand: They demand that she be present at Request: We request that the manager sign the
the meeting. document.
Insist: He insists that John finish the project. Order: The commander ordered that the soldiers
stand down.
Recommend: She recommends that he apply for
the job. Urge: I urge that she come to the meeting as
soon as possible.
Suggest: I suggest that they study harder for the
exam. Advise: The doctor advises that he stop smoking.
Propose: The lawyer proposed that the case be Require: The company requires that all
dismissed. employees wear ID badges.
2. Expressions with subjunctive
Certain expressions that express necessity, importance, or urgency also use the subjunctive.
It is important that: It is important that she arrive on time.
It is essential that: It is essential that the report be accurate.
It is necessary that: It is necessary that he attend the meeting.
It is vital that: It is vital that they know the truth.
It is crucial that: It is crucial that everyone participate in the event.
It is a requirement that: It is a requirement that he submit the application before the deadline.
In these constructions, the subjunctive mood reflects the speaker’s attitude, conveying a sense of necessity,
importance, or a strong recommendation.
You can also convey the same meaning as these subjunctive sentences using alternative structures, such as
modal verbs (like should, must, or have to) or rephrasing the sentence entirely. In these alternatives, you typically
replace the subjunctive with a modal verb (should, must) or use an infinitive structure (to + base form). The
meaning remains the same, but the sentence structure is adjusted to avoid the subjunctive.
Here are alternative versions of the sentences I provided earlier, avoiding the subjunctive:
1. Verbs: Alternatives without the subjunctive
Demand: We request that the manager should sign the
document.
They demand that she should be present at the
meeting. We ask the manager to sign the document.
They demand her presence at the meeting.
Order:
Insist: The commander ordered the soldiers to stand down.
He insists that John should finish the project. The commander ordered that the soldiers should
stand down.
He insists on John finishing the project.
Urge:
Recommend:
I urge that she should come to the meeting right now.
She recommends that he should apply for the job.
I urge her to come to the meeting right now.
She recommends applying for the job.
Advise:
Suggest:
The doctor advises that he should stop smoking.
I suggest that they should study harder for the exam.
The doctor advises him to stop smoking.
I suggest studying harder for the exam.
Require:
Propose:
The company requires all employees to wear ID
The lawyer proposed that the case should be
badges.
dismissed.
The company requires that all employees should wear
The lawyer proposed dismissing the case.
ID badges.
Request:
2. Expressions: Alternatives without the subjunctive
It is important that: It is vital that:
It is important for her to arrive on time. It is vital for them to know the truth.
She must arrive on time because it is important. They must know the truth because it is vital.
It is essential that: It is crucial that:
It is essential for the report to be accurate. It is crucial for everyone to participate in the event.
The report must be accurate because it is essential. Everyone must participate because it is crucial.
It is necessary that: It is a requirement that:
It is necessary for him to attend the meeting. It is a requirement for him to submit the application
before the deadline.
He must attend the meeting because it is necessary.
He must submit the application before the deadline.
