Subjunctive in English: A Complete Guide with Rules & Examples

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Why do we say ‘I suggest he take‘ instead of ‘takes’? This is the subjunctive mood in action. While it may seem formal or rare, the subjunctive is essential for expressing wishes, demands, and hypothetical ‘what-if’ scenarios. In this guide, we’ll break down how to form and use the English subjunctive with simple rules, clear examples, and a helpful infographic.

Subjunctive in English

What is Subjunctive?

The subjunctive is a verb form used to talk about situations that are not necessarily real. It is often used to express wishes, suggestions, demands, recommendations, or hypothetical situations.

In English, the subjunctive is relatively rare but structurally simple. The most common form is called the present subjunctive. In this structure, the verb uses the base form (bare infinitive) without “to”, even with third-person singular subjects.

Therefore, the subjunctive verb looks the same as the basic verb form (for example: do, work, demand, hire), and no “-s” is added in the third person singular.

Example:

• I suggested that he take the matter to the proper authorities.

In this sentence, take is the subjunctive form.

Present Subjunctive vs. Past Subjunctive

In English, there are two common types of subjunctive structures:

1. Present Subjunctive

The present subjunctive uses the base verb form. It commonly appears after verbs of suggestion, demand, recommendation, or necessity.

Structure:

Subject + verb + that + subject + base verb

Example:

• The chairman requests that all members of the board be present at the meeting.
• I demand that he provide us with a full explanation.

Note: In British English, people often use should + base verb instead of the bare verb.

Example:

• I suggested that he should take the matter to the authorities.

2. Past Subjunctive

The past subjunctive is mainly used with the verb be. In this form, were is traditionally used for all subjects when talking about hypothetical or unreal situations.

This form is commonly used in conditional sentences, wishes, and comparisons.

Examples:

• If I were king, there would be no more famines.
• If I were you, I would take a stand on the issue.
• You act as if you were king.

In modern informal English, some speakers may use was instead of were (for example: “If I was you”). However, were is still preferred in formal English.

Common Structures with Past Subjunctive

• I wish + past subjunctive
  Example: I wish I were taller.
• Would rather + subject + past subjunctive
  Example: I would rather you were honest with me.

When to Use the Subjunctive

The subjunctive is generally used when talking about situations that are uncertain, imagined, desired, or recommended.

• wishes or desires
• suggestions and recommendations
• demands or requirements
• hypothetical or unreal situations

Examples:

• If I were king, there would be no more famines.
• The chairman requests that all members of the board be present at the meeting.
• I demand that he provide us with a full explanation.

Form of the Base Subjunctive

Subject + verb + that + subject + base verb

Example:

• I demand that he provide us with a full explanation.

Common verbs used before subjunctives:

• advise
• ask
• beg
• decide
• decree
• desire
• dictate
• insist
• intend
• move
• order
• petition
• propose
• recommend
• request
• require
• resolve
• suggest
• urge
• vote

Subjunctive with Expressions

Structure

It + be + adjective + that + subject + base verb

Example:

• It is essential that the goods be delivered on time.

• It is essential that…
• It is important that…
• It is necessary that…
• It is imperative that…
• It is desirable that…

Negative Subjunctive

Subject + verb + that + subject + not + base verb

• I recommend that he not go there alone.
• The doctor suggested that she not eat too much sugar.

Passive Subjunctive

Subject + verb + that + subject + be + past participle

• It is important that the lights be turned off before leaving.
• The manager requested that the report be completed today.

Examples of Past Subjunctive

• If I were you, I would take a stand on the issue.
• If he were not so intelligent, I would have fired him.
• I wish she weren’t so dull.
• You act as if you were king.
• If I were Anna, I would play the guitar.

Subjunctive vs Normal Sentences

Sentence Type	Normal Structure	Subjunctive Structure
Present	He takes the bus.	I suggest that he take the bus.
Verb “to be”	She is here.	It is important that she be here.
Unreal Past	I was rich (in the past).	If I were rich now, I would buy a car.

Practice Exercises

Complete the sentences using the correct subjunctive form.

1. I suggest that he ______ (go) to the doctor.
2. It is important that she ______ (be) on time.
3. If I ______ (be) you, I would apologize.
4. The teacher insisted that the students ______ (finish) their homework.
5. I wish I ______ (be) taller.

Answers:

1. go
2. be
3. were
4. finish
5. were

Frequently Asked Questions

When should we use “were” instead of “was”?

“Were” is used in the past subjunctive to describe unreal or hypothetical situations. Example: If I were you, I would study harder.

Is the subjunctive still common in modern English?

Yes. The subjunctive is still common in formal English, especially in academic writing, journalism, and legal language.

What is the difference between the Subjunctive and Indicative mood?

The indicative mood describes real facts (She is here), while the subjunctive mood expresses wishes, suggestions, or hypothetical situations (It is important that she be here).

Related grammar topics:

• Conditional Sentences
• Modal Verbs