Name: …………………………….. Level: _____ Room: ….
Date: _____ / ______ / _____
Main Focus: Grammar (Subjunctive Mood)
USING THE SUBJUNCTIVE IN NOUN CLAUSES
(a) The t each er demands that we be on time. A subjunctive verb uses the simple form of a verb. It does not
have present, past, or future forms; it is neither singular nor plural.
(b) I insisted that he pay me the money.
Sentences with subjunctive verbs generally stress importance or
(c) I recommended that she not go to the concert.
urgency. A subjunctive verb is used in that-clauses that follow the
(d) It is important that they be told t he truth.
verbs and expressions listed below. In (a): be is a subjunctive verb;
its subject is we. In (b): pay (not pays, not paid) is a subjunctive
verb; it is in its simple form, even though its subject (he) i s
singular.
Negative: not+ simple form, as in (c).
Passive: simple form of be+ past participle, as in (d).
(e) I suggested that she see a doctor. Should is also possible after suggest and recommend.*
(f) 1 suggested that she should see a doctor.
COMMON VERBS AND EXPRESSIONS FOLLOWED BY THE SUSJUNCTTVE IN A NOUN CLAUSE
advise (that) propose (that) it is essential (that) it is critical (that)
ask (that) recommend (that) it is imperative (that) it is necessary (that)
Demand (that) Request (that) It’s important (that) It’s vital (that)
Insist (that) Suggest (that)
Urge (that) Order
Prefer Command (that)
•The subjunctive is more common in American English than British English. In British English, should + simple form is more usual
than the subjunctive: The teacher insists that we should be on lime.
EXERCISE 1
Direction: Give the correct form of the verb in parentheses. Some of the verbs are passive.
1) Her advisor recommended that she (take) take five courses.
2) Roberto insisted that the new baby (name) be named after his grandfather.
3) The doctor recommended that she (stay) _____________ in bed for a few days.
4) The students requested that the test (postpone) ________, but the instructor decided not to postpone.
5) It is essential that no one (admit) _____________ to the room without proper identification.
6) It is critical that pollution (control) _____________ and eventually (eliminate) _____________
7) It was such a beautiful day that one of the students suggested we (have) _____________ class outside.
8) The movie director insisted that everything about his productions (be) _____________ authentic.
9) It is vital that no one else (know) _____________ about the secret government operation.
10) Mrs.Wah asked that we (be) _____________sure to lock the door behind us.
11) I requested that I (permit) _____________ to change my class.
12) He ordered that his luggage (keep) ______________ in a safe place.
EXERCISE 2
Direction: Complete the sentences. There is often more than one possible completion. Use your own idea to compeete
1. Mr. Adams insists that we _____________careful in our writing.
2. They requested that we not _____________ after midnight.
3. She demanded that I _____________ her truth.
4. I recommended that _____________ to the head of the department.
5. I suggest that everyone _____________ a letter to the governor.
6. It is essential that I _____________ you tomorrow.
7. It is important that he _____________ the director of the English program.
8. It is necessary that everyone _____________ here on time.
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