For CISL’s Grammar Lesson of the Month, we are focusing on a topic that causes a lot of students confusion: the subjunctive! Have you mastered the subjunctive? Read on, and you will . . .
What is the subjunctive?
To understand the subjunctive, we begin by looking at these sentences:
- I suggest that he read the instructions carefully.
- It’s important that she try as hard as possible to answer the questions correctly.
- It is necessary that he bring all the required documents.
- It is vital that she arrive on time.
In each of these sentences, the subject and the verb do not agree!
- He + read
- She + try
- He + bring
- She + arrive
What’s going on? These sentences are examples of the subjunctive.
When do we use the subjunctive?
We use the subjunctive to emphasize importance or urgency. Look at the differences in the “feeling” of these sentences:
- He should read the instructions carefully. VS I suggest that he read the instructions carefully.
- She should try as hard as possible to answer the questions correctly. VS It’s important that she try as hard as possible to answer the questions correctly.
- He needs to bring all the required documents. VS It is necessary that he bring all the required documents.
- She should arrive on time. VS It is vital that she arrive on time.
Do you feel a sense of importance in the sentences with the subjunctive?
How to use the subjunctive
The subjunctive is often used after certain expressions. Here are some of the more common expressions and verbs that use this form.
to advise (that)
to ask (that)
to command (that)
to demand (that)
to desire (that)
to insist (that)
to propose (that)
to recommend (that)
to request (that)
to suggest (that)
to urge (that)
It is best (that)
It is crucial (that)
It is desirable (that)
It is essential (that)
It is imperative (that)
It is important (that)
It is recommended (that)
It is urgent (that)
It is vital (that)
It is a good idea (that)
It is a bad idea (that)
Note: The prompt for CAE and FCE Reports and Proposals require you to make suggestions, so the subjunctive is a great structure to use to increase your score!