Subjunctive Mood
The subjunctive is a verb mood used to express wishes, hypothetical situations, formal demands, and certain fixed expressions. It is more common in formal and American English.
What is the subjunctive?
The subjunctive mood uses the base form of the verb (without -s/-es in third person) in contexts that are hypothetical, wished for, or formally required.
The present subjunctive
Uses the base form for all subjects — notice there is no -s in the third person.
| Context | Trigger verbs/expressions | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Formal demands | insist, demand, require, recommend, suggest, propose, order, request | She insisted that he be informed. |
| Necessity / importance | it is essential/vital/important/necessary that | It is vital that she attend the meeting. |
| Formal proposals | move that, resolve that | I move that the motion be adopted. |
The doctor recommended that he rest for a week. (not: rests)
It is essential that every student submit their work on time. (not: submits)
The committee proposed that the rule be changed. (not: is changed)
The past subjunctive
Used in hypothetical conditionals and wishes. For all subjects, use were (not was) with the verb be.
If I were you, I would apologise.
I wish it were possible.
She acts as if she were the boss.
Suppose he were to resign — what then?
Fixed expressions with the subjunctive
God save the Queen. Long live the King.
Be that as it may… (formal concession)
Come what may… (whatever happens)
Suffice it to say… (it is enough to say)
British vs. American: The present subjunctive is more common in American English. British English often uses 'should + infinitive' instead: She insisted that he should be informed. Both are acceptable.
Tip: The key signal for present subjunctive is a verb of demand, recommendation, or importance followed by 'that'. Check the base form is used — no -s, no auxiliary: It is vital that he be present, not is present.