C1Subjunctive22 min
The subjunctive and formal hypothetical forms
Use the base-form subjunctive, were, and past forms for unreal present meaning in formal and elevated English.
English has a small but important subjunctive system. It appears in formal writing, official rules and fixed expressions, and it signals that something is demanded, recommended, hypothetical or not real. Learners usually notice it because the verb stays in its base form, even after he, she or it: that every pupil be silent, that she arrive on time.
| Use | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 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. |
In British English you will often hear should instead of the base form: It is essential that the patient should remain calm. Both are correct, and many speakers also use the ordinary present tense, but in formal writing and exams the base form is the safest choice. After would rather and it's time, the past simple has a present or future meaning, not a past one: I'd rather you left now means I want you to leave now.
- 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.
Exercise 1 of 2
Choose the correct form
Choose the option that correctly completes each sentence.
Exercise 2 of 2
Complete the sentences
Type the missing word or form. Use the formal subjunctive where it is appropriate.
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.
Source
Original lesson by Joy English.
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