Subjunctive Mood

After Expressions

The subjunctive is used after certain expressions which imply a good or bad quality, or an imperative, and which create a strong mood. The subjunctive verb comes after an expression which can be followed by the word, “that”(e.g. “it is best that”, and “it is essential that”). The subjunctive is usually the third-person form of the verb with the “s” dropped. When using the verb, “to be”, in the subjunctive, the present tense is “be”, and the past tense is “were”.



Incorrect: It is recommended that he uses the subjunctive properly.

The expression, “it is recommended that” needs to be followed by the subjunctive. The verb, “uses”, should be changed to “use”.



Incorrect: It is vital that I am at my best at all times.

The expression, “it is vital that”, should be followed by the subjunctive. The verb, “am”, should be changed to “be”.



Correct: It is best that the child stay away from foods to which he is allergic.



The expression, “it is best that” implies a good quality, so it is followed by the subjunctive, “stay”, instead of “stays”.

After Verbs

The subjunctive is a formal verb tense which is used after certain verbs which create a mood of doubt or uncertainty. The subjunctive verb comes after a verb which can be followed by the word, “that” (i.e. “to desire (that)”, “to require (that)”, “to ask (that)”) . The subjunctive is usually the third-person form of the verb with the “s” dropped.



Incorrect: Maya insisted that the student seeks the aid of a tutor.

The verb, “insisted”, should be followed by the subjunctive: the verb, “seeks”, should be “seek”.



Incorrect: It was proposed by the gunman that the victim remained lying on the ground.

The verb, “was proposed”, should be followed by the subjunctive; “remained” should be changed to “remain”.



Exception:

When using the verb, “to be”, in the subjunctive, the present tense is “be”, and the past tense is “were”.



Correct: The doctor suggests that the clinic patients be five minutes early for appointments.

Correct: My mother wished that I were more like her and less like my father.

In Conditional Sentences: “If” Clause in Future Tense, “Result” Clause Using “Would”

“Would” is the past tense of “will”; it is used with “if” to create a conditional verb tense. When used in the result clause of a conditional sentence, “would” usually implies the past tense, so the “if” clause should use a tense which uses or implies the past. The future tense should not be used in the “if” clause of a conditional sentence.



Incorrect: If there will be a quiz tomorrow, I would study tonight.

In this sentence, the subjunctive works best.

Correct: If there were a test tomorrow, I would study tonight.

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