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Joy English · Level C1 · Subjunctivejoy-english.com

The subjunctive and formal hypothetical forms

Name:Date:

Use the base-form subjunctive, were, and past forms for unreal present meaning in formal and elevated English.

Choose the correct form

Choose the option that correctly completes each sentence.

  1. The committee requested that the report ___ submitted by noon.
    • a) is
    • b) would be
    • c) be
    • d) was
  2. I'd rather you ___ anything about the surprise yet.
    • a) don't say
    • b) didn't say
    • c) won't say
    • d) not saying
  3. It's high time the council ___ the repairs.
    • a) begin
    • b) began
    • c) would begin
    • d) to begin
  4. He talks as though he ___ the owner of the company, although he joined last week.
    • a) were
    • b) is
    • c) will be
    • d) has
  5. Which sentence uses the formal subjunctive?
    • a) It is vital that he arrives on time.
    • b) It is vital that he arriving on time.
    • c) It is vital that he arrive on time.
    • d) It is vital that he is arrive on time.
  6. Be that as it ___, we must respect the decision.
    • a) is
    • b) will
    • c) does
    • d) may
  7. Were she ___ the offer, she would have to move abroad.
    • a) accept
    • b) accepting
    • c) to accept
    • d) accepted
  8. If it ___ not for her support, I would not be here today.
    • a) would be
    • b) were
    • c) is
    • d) had

Complete the sentences

Type the missing word or form. Use the formal subjunctive where it is appropriate.

  1. It is essential that the patient ___ (remain) calm.
  2. The teacher demanded that every pupil ___ (be) silent.
  3. I'd rather you ___ (not / park) here.
  4. It's time we ___ (leave); the last bus goes soon.
  5. ___ it not for the rain, we would be having a perfect day.
  6. Far ___ it from me to criticise, but the plan has flaws.
  7. She behaves as if she ___ (own) the whole building.
  8. The rules require that a form ___ (complete) before entry.

Answer key

Choose the correct form

  1. c) beAfter request + that, the formal subjunctive uses the base form of the verb: be submitted.
  2. b) didn't sayAfter would rather + another subject, we use the past simple with a present or future meaning.
  3. b) beganAfter it's high time, we use the past simple to talk about something that should happen now.
  4. a) wereThe situation is not real, so as though is followed by were.
  5. c) It is vital that he arrive on time.The formal subjunctive uses the base form arrive, with no third-person -s.
  6. d) mayThe fixed expression is Be that as it may.
  7. c) to acceptFormal conditional inversion uses Were + subject + to + infinitive.
  8. b) wereIf it were not for is a fixed pattern for an unreal present situation; would be cannot follow if here.

Complete the sentences

  1. remain / should remainAfter essential that, the subjunctive uses the base form remain; British English also accepts should remain.
  2. be / should beAfter demand that, the subjunctive uses be, with no agreement.
  3. didn't park / did not parkAfter would rather + subject, we use the past simple: didn't park.
  4. left / were leavingAfter it's time + subject, we use the past simple (or past continuous) with a present meaning: It's time we left.
  5. WereFormal conditional inversion replaces If it were not for with Were it not for.
  6. beThe fixed expression is Far be it from me.
  7. ownedAs if with an unreal present situation takes the past simple: owned.
  8. be completed / should be completedThe subjunctive passive is be + past participle: be completed.

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