The Subjunctive Mood in English Grammar
The subjunctive mood is a verb form used to refer to a hypothetical scenario or to express a wish, suggestion, or command (e.g., “I suggest you be quiet”). The subjunctive is one of three grammatical moods in English, along with the indicative mood and the imperative mood.
What is the Subjunctive Mood? -
We use it to express suggestions, recommendations, urgency, importance, and what should happen. It is most common in formal English (both spoken and written),
though it is less common in informal, spoken English.
How to Form it?
To form the subjunctive, we use the subject + bare infinitive. This can be any verb.
For example, 'go':
It is necessary that I go to the supermarket.
It is necessary that you go to the supermarket.
It is necessary that he/she go to the supermarket.
It is necessary that we go to the supermarket.
It is necessary that they go to the supermarket.
Use after these Verbs
Suggest:
I suggest that she be more careful.
She suggested that he not be late for the meeting.
Insist:
The manager insists that the report be submitted by Friday.
The team insisted that the captain be honored at the party.
Demand:
They demanded that he be fired.
The protesters demand that the issue be resolved immediately.
Recommend:
I recommend that she be cautious when she signs the contract.
The experts recommend that parents be patient, yet firm, with their children.
Use with These Phrases
It's important:
It's important that I be on time for the interview.
It's important that the rules be followed by everyone.
It's crucial:
It's crucial that he be honest when he testifies.
It's crucial that the results be double-checked before we publish them.
It's necessary:
It's necessary that the documents be signed by the lawyers.
It's necessary that the equipment be inspected before use.
"I be" or "I am"?
In many cases, both "I am" and "I be" are correct. They emphasise different points.
Examples:
It's crucial that she be there by noon. (Focus is on the importance of arriving on time.)
It's crucial that she is there by noon. (Focus is on the outcome, what will happen if she is on time).