Subjunctive sentences

I. Explanation
The subjunctive mood is used to talk about situations that are not real yet are unlikely, or are
hypothetical. It is often used in sentences about wishes, suggestions, demands, or unreal
situations.
II. Uses and Structures
1. Expressing Wishes or Unreal Situations
 Used to talk about something you wish were true or something hypothetical.
 Structure:
Subject + wish + (that) + subject + past simple/past perfect
o I wish I were taller. (Present unreal)

o I wish I had studied harder. (Past unreal)

2. Expressing Suggestions, Demands, or Necessities

 Used after certain verbs, adjectives, or nouns to express that something is necessary or
important.
 Verbs: suggest, recommend, demand, insist, propose, request, require.
 Adjectives: important, essential, necessary, vital.
 Nouns: suggestion, demand, requirement, request.
 Structure:
(That) + subject + base verb (bare infinitive)
o The teacher suggested (that) he study more.

o It’s important (that) she be on time.

3. Fixed Expressions
Common phrases that always use the subjunctive:
- God save the Queen.
- Long live the King.
- If I were you...
 4. Structure “It’s high time”/ “It’s time”/ “It’s about time”
- It’s time + S + V(P1)/ed
- It’s high time + S + V(P1)/ed
- It’s about time + S + V(P1)/ed
Example:
 It's time you started on your homework.
 It's high time we pulled together and got the job done right.
 It's about time he apologized for what he did.

III. Examples of Subjunctive

Use Example

Wish (present unreal) I wish it were sunny today.

Wish (past unreal) She wishes she had taken the job.

Suggestion I suggest (that) he work harder.

Necessity It’s essential (that) she be there.

Hypothetical (if clauses) If I were rich, I’d buy a mansion.

IV. Exercises:
A. Write the correct form of the verbs in brackets
1. I wish I ___ (be) taller. (present unreal)
2. If I ___ (have) enough money, I would buy a car.
3. It’s important that he ___ (study) for the exam.
4. The teacher suggested that she ___ (read) more books.
5. I wish it ___ (not rain) today. (present unreal)
6. If he ___ (be) here, he would help us.
7. She wishes she ___ (speak) English fluently.
8. It’s essential that the report ___ (be) finished on time.
9. If I ___ (be) you, I would apologize.
10. I wish they ___ (know) the truth. (past unreal)
11. It’s important that everyone ___ (attend) the meeting.
12. If only he ___ (not leave) so early yesterday.
13. She suggested that we ___ (go) to the park.
14. I wish I ___ (have) a brother.
15. If we ___ (know) about the event, we would have joined.
16. It’s vital that she ___ (not tell) anyone.
17. If I ___ (be) the president, I’d lower taxes.
18. I wish they ___ (arrive) on time. (past unreal)
19. If he ___ (work) harder, he would pass the exam.
20. It’s necessary that he ___ (follow) the instructions.
21. It’s necessary that he ___ (finish) the report today.
22. If I ___ (be) you, I would accept the offer.
23. She suggested that we ___ (not, waste) time on this topic.
24. I wish I ___ (know) the answer earlier.
25. The manager insisted that all employees ___ (arrive) on time.
26. If only she ___ (listen) to my advice, things would be better now.
27. It’s important that he ___ (not, miss) the meeting tomorrow.
28. I wish I ___ (speak) more confidently during the interview.
29. If I ___ (win) the lottery, I’d buy a mansion.
30. It’s essential that the solution ___ (be) tested thoroughly.
31. She demanded that her son ___ (apologize) to the teacher.
32. If they ___ (study) harder, they would have passed the exam.
33. It’s vital that you ___ (call) the doctor immediately.
34. I wish they ___ (not, cancel) the event last week.
35. If only he ___ (be) more careful, he wouldn’t have had an accident.
36. The teacher recommended that the homework ___ (submit) online.
37. It’s high time we ___ (leave) for the airport.
38. If she ___ (have) more experience, she’d get the job.
39. The judge ordered that the suspect ___ (remain) in custody.
40. I wish I ___ (be) more disciplined with my studies.

Bài 1: Mức cơ bản (Beginner)

1. I wish I were taller.
2. If I had enough money, I would buy a car.
3. It’s important that he study for the exam.
4. The teacher suggested that she read more books.
5. I wish it didn’t rain today.
6. If he were here, he would help us.
7. She wishes she spoke English fluently.
8. It’s essential that the report be finished on time.
9. If I were you, I would apologize.
10. I wish they knew the truth.
11. It’s important that everyone attend the meeting.
12. If only he hadn’t left so early yesterday.
13. She suggested that we go to the park.
14. I wish I had a brother.
15. If we had known about the event, we would have joined.
16. It’s vital that she not tell anyone.
17. If I were the president, I’d lower taxes.
18. I wish they arrived on time.
19. If he worked harder, he would pass the exam.
20. It’s necessary that he follow the instructions.
21. finish
22. were
23. not waste
24. had known
25. arrive
26. had listened
27. not miss
28. could speak
29. won
30. be
31. apologize
32. had studied
33. call
34. hadn’t canceled
35. had been
36. be submitted
37. left
38. had
39. remain
40. were

B. Choose the correct answer:

1. It’s important that the manager ___ the decision by Friday.

A. make
B. makes
C. made
2. If I ___ you, I wouldn’t argue with the boss.
A. was
B. were
C. am
3. She demanded that he ___ the truth immediately.
A. tells
B. told
C. tell
4. If only I ___ more time to prepare for the exam.
A. have
B. had
C. had had
5. The law requires that all vehicles ___ inspected annually.
A. are
B. be
C. will be
6. I wish the weather ___ warmer today.
A. were
B. is
C. was
7. It’s high time we ___ doing something about climate change.
A. start
 B. started
C. starting
8. The doctor insisted that the patient ___ surgery immediately.
A. undergo
B. undergoes
C. underwent
9. If she ___ (not, quit) her job, she would have been promoted.
A. hadn’t quit
B. didn’t quit
C. doesn’t quit
10. If only the company ___ (listen) to customer feedback sooner.
A. had listened
B. listened
C. listens
11. The CEO proposed that a new policy ___ (implement) to address the issue.
A. is implemented
B. be implemented
C. was implemented
12. If I ___ (know) about the delay earlier, I wouldn’t have come so soon.
A. knew
B. had known
C. know
13. She wishes she ___ (spend) less time on social media.
A. spends
B. spent
C. had spent
14. It’s necessary that every applicant ___ (submit) a completed form.
A. submits
B. submit
C. submitted
15. If only I ___ (not, say) that to her yesterday.
A. don’t say
B. hadn’t said
C. wouldn’t say
16. He suggested that we ___ (not, discuss) the issue until more information is available.
A. don’t discuss
B. not discuss
C. didn’t discuss
17. The court ordered that the documents ___ (seal) until further notice.
A. sealed
B. be sealed
C. are sealed
18. It’s about time you ___ (learn) how to drive.
A. learn
B. learned
C. have learned
 19. If only the pandemic ___ (end) sooner.
A. ended
B. ends
C. had ended
20. The lawyer advised that his client ___ (remain) silent.
A. remains
B. remain
C. remained
21. I wish I ___ the chance to visit Paris last year.
A. had
B. have
C. had had
22. It’s high time we ___ the problem more seriously.
A. address
B. addressed
C. have addressed
23. The teacher suggested that we ___ our answers before submitting.
A. check
B. checked
C. checks
24. If only I ___ more patient with him yesterday!
A. had been
B. am
C. was
25. The principal required that all students ___ the rules.
A. follow
B. followed
C. follows

Đáp án Bài 2: Chọn đáp án đúng

1. A. make
2. B. were
3. C. tell
4. B. had
5. B. be
6. A. were
7. B. started
8. A. undergo
9. A. hadn’t quit
10. A. had listened
11. B. be implemented
12. B. had known
13. B. spent
14. B. submit
15. B. hadn’t said
16. B. not discuss
17. B. be sealed
18. B. learned
19. C. had ended
20. B. remain
21. A. had had
22. B. addressed
23. A. check
24. A. had been
25. A. follow

C. Rewrite these sentences

1. He must apologize to the teacher. (The principal insisted...)
2. They should finish the project on time. (It’s necessary...)
3. She regrets not studying abroad. (I wish...)
4. We need to take action immediately. (It’s vital that...)
5. If I knew the truth, I’d tell you. (I wish...)
6. He doesn’t have enough experience for the job. (If only...)
7. You must not tell anyone this secret. (The lawyer insisted...)
8. The situation needs urgent attention. (It’s essential that...)
9. I didn’t invite her to the party. (If only...)
10. She didn’t attend the meeting, and now she regrets it. (She wishes...)
Đáp án Bài 3: Viết lại câu
1. The principal insisted that he apologize to the teacher.
2. It’s necessary that they finish the project on time.
3. I wish I had studied abroad.
4. It’s vital that we take action immediately.
5. I wish I knew the truth.
6. If only he had enough experience for the job.
7. The lawyer insisted that you must not tell anyone this secret.
8. It’s essential that the situation receive urgent attention.
9. If only I had invited her to the party.
10. She wishes she had attended the meeting.

D. Find and correct 1 mistake in the sentence

1. If I was you, I’d study harder.
2. The teacher demanded that every student submits their homework.
3. I wish I was better at public speaking.
4. It’s high time you are honest with yourself.
5. The CEO proposed that the plan is revised immediately.
6. If he didn’t leave so early, he wouldn’t miss the train.
7. It’s important that she attends the meeting tomorrow.
8. If only we know how to solve this problem.
9. He suggested that we going to the park.
10. I wish she didn’t cancel her trip last week.
11. The doctor recommended that the patient takes more rest.
12. If only I have more time to complete the task.
13. It’s necessary that he is more responsible at work.
14. She regrets that she doesn’t apply for the job.
15. I wish they are here to celebrate with us.
 16. The manager demanded that all employees follows the new rules.
17. If only he hasn’t forgotten his appointment.
18. It’s about time she learns to cook.
19. The lawyer advised that his client speaks less in court.
20. I wish the weather was better for our trip yesterday.

Bài 4: Sửa lỗi sai

1. If I was you → If I were you
2. The teacher demanded that every student submits → submit their homework.
3. I wish I was → I wish I were better at public speaking.
4. It’s high time you are → you were honest with yourself.
5. The CEO proposed that the plan is → be revised immediately.
6. If he didn’t leave → If he hadn’t left so early, he wouldn’t miss the train.
7. It’s important that she attends → attend the meeting tomorrow.
8. If only we know → If only we knew how to solve this problem.
9. He suggested that we going → go to the park.
10. I wish she didn’t cancel → I wish she hadn’t canceled her trip last week.
11. The doctor recommended that the patient takes → take more rest.
12. If only I have → If only I had more time to complete the task.
13. It’s necessary that he is → he be more responsible at work.
14. She regrets that she doesn’t apply → she didn’t apply for the job.
15. I wish they are → I wish they were here to celebrate with us.
16. The manager demanded that all employees follows → follow the new rules.
17. If only he hasn’t forgotten → If only he hadn’t forgotten his appointment.
18. It’s about time she learns → she learned to cook.
19. The lawyer advised that his client speaks → speak less in court.
20. I wish the weather was → had been better for our trip yesterday.

E. Complete the passage

It’s crucial that every participant ___ (submit) their application by the deadline. If only I ___
(remember) to remind my friend about it earlier! She always wishes she ___ (be) more
organized. The manager insisted that the team ___ (not, delay) the project anymore, as it’s high
time we ___ (start) working on it seriously.

If I ___ (have) more time, I would’ve helped her. But I was busy, and now I wish I ___ (plan)
my schedule better. The CEO demanded that all errors in the report ___ (be) fixed immediately.
If only she ___ (pay) closer attention earlier, we wouldn’t be in this situation now.

Bài 5: Hoàn thành đoạn văn

It’s crucial that every participant submit their application by the deadline. If only I had
remembered to remind my friend about it earlier! She always wishes she were more organized.
The manager insisted that the team not delay the project anymore, as it’s high time we started
working on it seriously.
If I had more time, I would’ve helped her. But I was busy, and now I wish I had planned my
schedule better. The CEO demanded that all errors in the report be fixed immediately. If only she
had paid closer attention earlier, we wouldn’t be in this situation now.

F. Manage the sentences (Easy level)

1. necessary / that / the / It’s / presentation / be / done / tomorrow.
2. wish / known / about / If / the / only / meeting / I / had.
3. manager / insisted / that / be / on / all / employees / time.
4. leave / started / It’s / we / time / high / the / party.
5. the / essential / is / the / patient / treated / be / properly / that.
6. hadn’t / spent / I / If / much / only / so / money.
7. meeting / recommend / She / attend / you / that / the.
8. for / wish / better / weather / a / I.
9. win / had / he / If / worked / harder / only.
10. should / to / time / apologized / It’s / high / he.
11. finish / important / It’s / that / we / early / this / task.
12. regret / only / hadn’t / I / I / made / the / decision.
13. is / submit / necessary / It / that / he / his / report.
14. If / he / had / listened / only / advice / to / my.
15. propose / meeting / reschedule / that / She / the.
16. the / time / about / It’s / issue / addressed / we / this.
17. they / silent / The / that / lawyer / be / insisted.
18. wish / behaved / have / only / better / had / If / she.
19. were / time / the / I / it’s / took / responsibility / you / for.
20. would / been / more / If / honest / he / only.

Dạng 1: Sắp xếp câu

Bài 1
1. It’s necessary that the presentation be done tomorrow.
2. If only I had known about the meeting.
3. The manager insisted that all employees be on time.
4. It’s high time we started the party.
5. It’s essential that the patient be treated properly.
6. If only I hadn’t spent so much money.
7. She recommended that you attend the meeting.
8. I wish the weather were better.
9. If he had worked harder, he would have won.
10. It’s high time he apologized.
Bài 2
1. It’s important that we finish this task early.
2. I regret I hadn’t made the decision earlier.
3. It’s necessary that he submit his report.
4. If only he had listened to my advice.
5. She proposed that we reschedule the meeting.
6. It’s time this issue be addressed.
7. The lawyer insisted that they be silent.
8. If only she had behaved better.
9. It’s time you took responsibility for the situation.
10. If only he had been more honest.

G. Manage the sentences (Medium level)

1. had / you / to / I / time / been / it / if / done / earlier / wouldn't / have / so / late.
2. if / had / we / that / known / before / would / situation / the / have / we / avoided.
3. she / him / insisted / meeting / at / that / be / on / attended / the / all / time.
4. had / she / listened / advice / taken / her / to / she / would / not / failed.
5. team / the / that / we / would / project / the / finished / have / in / on / time / had / done.
6. time / we / for / regret / you / that / hadn't / me / the / made / decision.
7. If / the / teacher / hadn’t / explained / clearly / instructions, / we / would / the /
misunderstood.
8. be / It’s / to / we / done / now / too / to / anything / impossible / about.
9. have / they / to / I / early / done / the / presentation / If / wouldn’t / I / stay / so / late.
10. he / worked / had / only / been / more / if / he / successful / have / would / would.
11. warned / He / that / the / was / time / late / getting / it / and / should / have / gone.
12. had / it / helped / If / earlier / I / you / would / the / situation / solved.
13. not / she / insisted / be / meeting / at / so / the / everyone / late / all.
14. by / had / If / I / known / she / done / been / work / earlier / it / wouldn't / I.
15. offered / she / job / if / she / the / had / I / accepted / it.
16. done / I / earlier / wish / my / If / work / would / be / finished.
17. suggested / meeting / she / the / reschedule / that / tomorrow / for.
18. If / they / had / on / worked / time / project / the / earlier / finished / the.
19. you / I / before / about / that / known / If / I / would / not / decided / differently.
20. could / wish / it / if / be / were / only / better / we / weather / the.

Dạng 1: Sắp xếp câu

Bài 1
1. If you had been on time, it wouldn't have been so late.
Giải thích: Câu điều kiện loại 3 diễn tả một điều kiện không có thật trong quá khứ. Dùng
"had been" cho quá khứ hoàn thành trong mệnh đề điều kiện.
2. If we had known about the situation before, we would have avoided it.
Giải thích: Câu điều kiện loại 3. Mệnh đề "If we had known" diễn tả một điều kiện
không có thật trong quá khứ, dẫn đến kết quả "we would have avoided it."
3. She insisted that he be on time for the meeting.
Giải thích: Mệnh đề sau "insisted that" thường sử dụng động từ nguyên thể (bare
infinitive) sau "that."
4. If she had taken her advice, she would not have failed.
Giải thích: Câu điều kiện loại 3 với "had taken" cho mệnh đề điều kiện và "would not
have failed" cho kết quả trong quá khứ.
5. If we had done the project on time, we would have finished it.
Giải thích: Câu điều kiện loại 3 với "had done" trong mệnh đề điều kiện và "would have
finished" trong mệnh đề kết quả.
6. I regret that I hadn't made the decision earlier.
Giải thích: "Regret that" thường được sử dụng khi người nói cảm thấy hối tiếc về một
quyết định trong quá khứ.
7. If the teacher hadn’t explained the instructions clearly, we would have
misunderstood.
Giải thích: Câu điều kiện loại 3, mệnh đề điều kiện dùng "hadn't explained" và mệnh đề
kết quả dùng "would have misunderstood."
8. It’s too late now to do anything about it.
Giải thích: Câu này diễn tả sự tiếc nuối về thời gian đã trôi qua, dùng "too late" để nói về
sự không thể thay đổi hiện tại.
9. If I had done the presentation earlier, I wouldn’t have stayed so late.
Giải thích: Câu điều kiện loại 3 với "had done" cho điều kiện quá khứ và "wouldn't have
stayed" cho kết quả quá khứ.
10. If he had worked more, he would have been successful.
Giải thích: Câu điều kiện loại 3, diễn tả điều kiện không có thật trong quá khứ với "had
worked" và kết quả "would have been successful."

Bài 2
1. He warned that it was getting late and we should have gone.
Giải thích: Câu này dùng cấu trúc "warned that" và sau đó là mệnh đề "we should have
gone" diễn tả lời khuyên về hành động quá khứ.
2. If I had helped you earlier, the situation would have been solved.
Giải thích: Câu điều kiện loại 3, diễn tả điều kiện không có thật trong quá khứ.
3. She insisted that everyone be on time for the meeting.
Giải thích: "Insisted that" sử dụng động từ nguyên thể (bare infinitive) sau "that."
4. If I had known it earlier, I wouldn't have done it.
Giải thích: Câu điều kiện loại 3, với điều kiện "had known" và kết quả "wouldn't have
done."
5. She would have accepted the job offer if she had been offered it.
Giải thích: Câu điều kiện loại 3, với "had been offered" cho điều kiện và "would have
accepted" cho kết quả.
6. I wish I had finished my work earlier.
Giải thích: "I wish" thường được sử dụng để nói về sự hối tiếc về điều gì đó đã xảy ra
trong quá khứ (dùng "had finished").
7. She suggested that we reschedule the meeting for tomorrow.
Giải thích: "Suggested that" thường theo sau là động từ nguyên thể (bare infinitive) sau
"that."
 8. If they had worked on the project earlier, they would have finished it on time.
Giải thích: Câu điều kiện loại 3 với "had worked" và "would have finished."
9. If I had known about that before, I would have decided differently.
Giải thích: Câu điều kiện loại 3, diễn tả sự hối tiếc về việc không biết trước đó.
10. I wish the weather were better.
Giải thích: "Wish" với "were" để nói về điều không có thật trong hiện tại.

H. Match to complete the sentences (easy level)

1. I wish I had... a. been late for the meeting yesterday.
2. The teacher insisted that... b. every student be on time.
3. If only he had studied... c. been more responsible.
4. It’s important that you... d. harder for the exam.
5. She suggested that we... e. follow the instructions carefully.
6. If only she hadn’t... f. a better memory.
7. It’s high time we... g. take action to solve the problem.
8. He demanded that the work... h. finish the task by tomorrow.
9. If she had listened... i. she wouldn’t have failed.
10. It’s necessary that the patient... j. be treated properly.

1. If only I had... a. have been completed earlier.

2. It’s about time you... b. known about the event sooner.
3. The manager required that... c. understood the seriousness of the situation.
4. If he had worked harder... d. he wouldn’t have failed the project.
5. She proposed that... e. we postpone the meeting.
6. The doctor recommended that... f. taken your advice seriously.
7. If only they hadn’t... g. been more prepared for the exam.
8. It’s crucial that the error... h. you take responsibility.
9. If she had prepared better... i. all employees submit their reports on time.
10. I wish I had... j. he undergo the surgery immediately.

Dạng 3: Nối cột A với cột B

 Bài 1
1. I wish I had f a better memory.
2. The teacher insisted that b every student be on time.
3. If only he had studied d harder for the exam.
4. It’s important that you e follow the instructions carefully.
5. She suggested that we g take action to solve the problem.
6. If only she hadn’t a been late for the meeting yesterday.
7. It’s high time we h finish the task by tomorrow.
8. He demanded that the work i be completed earlier.
9. If she had listened i she wouldn’t have failed.
10. It’s necessary that the patient j be treated properly.
Bài 2
1. If only I had b known about the event sooner.
2. It’s about time you h take responsibility.
3. The manager required that i all employees submit their reports on time.
4. If he had worked harder d he wouldn’t have failed the project.
5. She proposed that e we postpone the meeting.
6. The doctor recommended that j he undergo the surgery immediately.
7. If only they hadn’t g been more prepared for the exam.
8. It’s crucial that the error a have been completed earlier.
9. If she had prepared better f she would have passed the test.
10. I wish I had c understood the seriousness of the situation.

I. Match the sentences (Hard level)

1. If I had known... a. he would have missed the train.
2. It’s time we... b. had finished the report by now.
3. I wish I had... c. made the decision sooner.
4. She suggested that... d. we should start planning immediately.
5. He demanded that... e. all the students submit their projects by Friday.
6. If only I had... f. known about the meeting earlier.
7. It’s important that... g. you not ignore the warning signs.
8. If she had listened... h. she wouldn’t have missed the meeting.
9. It’s high time you... i. apologize for what you did.
10. If I had taken... j. better care of the equipment, it wouldn’t have broken.

1. If they had worked... a. be here earlier.

2. I wish she had... b. not left so suddenly.
3. If you had paid... c. not lost the contract.
4. I wish I had... d. the report more carefully.
5. It’s about time we... e. had planned the project better.
6. He insisted that we... f. get started with the presentation.
7. If he hadn’t been... g. more careful, he wouldn’t have injured himself.
8. I wish I had... h. followed your advice.
9. If only I had... i. asked for help earlier.
10. It’s essential that... j. the project be completed by the deadline.

Dạng 3: Nối cột A với cột B

Bài 1
1. If I had known, f I would have known about the meeting earlier.
2. It’s time we started d we should start planning immediately.
3. I wish I had made c the decision sooner.
4. She suggested that g you not ignore the warning signs.
5. He demanded that e all the students submit their projects by Friday.
6. If only I had known b about the meeting earlier.
7. It’s important that h you apologize for what you did.
8. If she had listened, i she wouldn’t have missed the meeting.
9. It’s high time you apologized i for what you did.
 10. If I had taken better care, j of the equipment, it wouldn’t have broken.
Bài 2
1. If they had worked on time, e they would have finished the project.
2. I wish she had not left, b so suddenly.
3. If you had paid attention, d you would have done the report more carefully.
4. I wish I had asked for help, i earlier.
5. It’s about time we f get started with the presentation.
6. He insisted that we h follow the instructions.
7. If he hadn’t been more careful, g he wouldn’t have injured himself.
8. I wish I had followed your advice, h earlier.
9. If only I had decided differently, j we would have been more successful.
10. It’s essential that the project j be completed by the deadline.