C1Subjuntivo22 min
El subjuntivo y las formas hipotéticas formales
The subjunctive and formal hypothetical forms
Usa el subjuntivo en forma base, were y las formas de pasado para expresar irrealidad en el presente en un inglés formal y elevado.
El inglés tiene un sistema de subjunctive (subjuntivo) pequeño pero importante. Aparece en la escritura formal, en normas oficiales y en expresiones fijas, e indica que algo se exige, se recomienda, es hipotético o no es real. Los estudiantes suelen notarlo porque el verbo permanece en su forma base, incluso después de he, she o it: that every pupil be silent, that she arrive on time.
| Uso | Estructura | Ejemplo |
|---|---|---|
| Demands and recommendations | verb of request + that + subject + base form | The teacher demanded that every pupil be silent. |
| Adjectives of importance | essential / vital / crucial that + base form | It is essential that the patient remain calm. |
| Passive version | that + subject + be + past participle | The rules require that a form be completed before entry. |
| Unreal situation | if / as if / as though + were | He talks as though he were the owner of the company. |
| Formal conditional | Were + subject + to ... | Were she to accept the offer, she would move abroad. |
| Preference about others | would rather + subject + past simple | I'd rather you didn't park here. |
| Time to act | it's (high) time + past simple | It's high time the council began the repairs. |
| Fixed expressions | be that as it may / far be it from me | Be that as it may, we must respect the decision. |
En inglés británico es frecuente oír should en lugar de la forma base: It is essential that the patient should remain calm. Ambas son correctas, y muchos hablantes usan también el presente normal, pero en la escritura formal y en los exámenes la forma base es la opción más segura. Después de would rather y it's time, el pasado simple tiene un significado de presente o futuro, no de pasado: I'd rather you left now significa «quiero que te vayas ahora».
- The committee requested that the report be submitted by noon.
- Far be it from me to criticise, but the plan has flaws.
- If it were not for her support, I would not be here today.
- She behaves as if she owned the whole building.
Ejercicio 1 de 2
Elige la forma correcta
Elige la opción que complete correctamente cada oración.
Ejercicio 2 de 2
Completa las frases
Escribe la palabra o la forma que falta. Usa el subjuntivo formal cuando sea apropiado.
It is essential that the patient (remain) calm.
The teacher demanded that every pupil (be) silent.
I'd rather you (not / park) here.
It's time we (leave); the last bus goes soon.
it not for the rain, we would be having a perfect day.
Far it from me to criticise, but the plan has flaws.
She behaves as if she (own) the whole building.
The rules require that a form (complete) before entry.
Fuente
Lección original de Joy English.
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