Subjunctives

Grammar Focus (B2-C2)

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Hey, language lovers!

You have been asking for this complex grammar point, so here it is: SUBJUNCTIVES.

Subjunctive forms aren’t used very often, and, when we do decide to use them, this usually happens in formal contexts.

There are two basic types of subjunctives:

  • present subjunctive
  • past subjunctive

Present Subjunctive

Scary title apart, this is nothing more than the infinitive without “to” (i.e. bare infinitive), with no 3rd person -s or past form.

 

In formal contexts, it is used in that-clauses after verbs and adjectives such as the following:
advise, demand, insist, propose, recommend, require, suggest, urge, vital, preferable, desirable, essential, obligatory

I suggest (that) large fines be introduced.
The police insisted (that) the car be moved immediately.
They recommended (that) we leave our mobile phones behind.
It is vital (that) every employee attend the meeting.
It’s essential (that) she apply for a visa before travelling.

 

The same structure can also be used after related nouns.

Their suggestion is that the system be reviewed carefully after trialling.
His advice is that a traveller keep his passport in the hotel safe.

 

In less formal contexts, should can be used, and colloquially no verb form change is made:

It is vital (that) every employee should attend the meeting.
It is vital (that) every employee attends the meeting.
They recommended (that) we left our mobile phones behind.

 

This form of the subjunctive is also used in the following FIXED PHRASES:

  • far be it from me to = I certainly would not
  • God/Heaven forbid = I hope sth does not happen
  • be that as it may = used to mean that you accept that a piece of information is true but it does not change your opinion of the subject you are discussing
  • suffice (it) to say = it is enough to say
  • so be it = I accept the situation as it exists
  • no matter what/when/why = used to emphasize that something is always true, or that someone must do something
  • come what may = whatever happens

 

Far be it from me to tell you how to run your life.
If she wants to spend all her money on clothes, so be it!
I shall be there tonight come what may.

Past Subjunctive

Verb BE has a past subjunctive form WERE. In impossible wishes and in imaginary present or future situations (e.g. 2nd conditional), this were is often used instead of was.

I wish I were more adventurous. (I’m not adventurous enough.)
Do you mean you’d sooner I weren’t here.
Imagine she were to tell you her most personal secrets.
If I were you, I’d go by train.
Were he to agree, he’d probably become the next coach.

 

Speakers in informal contexts may use was in these situations. (However, it is best to use were in the exam!)
I wish I was more adventurous.

 

Note: In conditional sentences using inversion, were must always be used – was is not possible.
Were he to refuse the offer, we would be in trouble.

Practice

1) Add one of the phrases to each of the sentences.

come what may, suffice it to say, be that as it may, far be it from me

1. I don’t want to explain. _____ , aunt Sarah is coming to stay after all.
2. _____ , I’m determined to finish decorating my room this weekend.
3. _____ to tell you what to do, but you’d be mad to marry him.
4. “This medicine tastes horrible!” ” _____ , it will cure your cough”.

 

2) Fill each of the gaps with one word.

Thanks for your email. I agree that it is essential you (1) _____ fully acquainted with the facts of the case. They are as follows. It was agreed six months ago that, come what (2) _____, the above residence (3) _____ decorated inside and out before the end of June. This has not happened and my solicitor has recommended I (4) _____ with legal action forthwith. May I suggest that you (5) _____ me as a matter of some urgency.

 

3) Look at the list of things that irritate people about modern life. Think of two more things and explain why they irritate you. Use Past Subjunctive.

1. being stuck in traffic
2. parents who embarrass you thinking they are trendy
3. receiving unsolicited calls at home from sales and marketing companies
4. people who talk loudly on their mobile phones in public places
5. people pushing in front of you in a queue (on foot or in a car)

ANSWER KEY

1)

1 Suffice it to say
2 Come what may
3 Far be it from me
4 Be that as it may

2)

1 be
2 may
3 be
4 proceed
5 contact

 

REFERENCES

Vince, M. with Sunderland, P., Advanced Language Practice, Macmillan Education, 2003
Side, R. and Wellman, G., Grammar and Vocabulary for Cambridge Advanced and Proficiency, Pearson Education Limited, 2000
www.dictionary.cambridge.org