The present subjunctive is used in clauses that typically follow certain verbs, adjectives, or nouns that signal necessity, importance, or urgency, as well as in some fixed expressions.
Uses
The present subjunctive is used in three main contexts: after expressions of necessity or importance, after verbs of suggestion or demand, and in fixed or formal expressions.
Necessity or Importance
- These are phrases that introduce clauses where something must happen.
- Common introductory phrases include “it’s important that,” “it’s necessary that,” and “it’s essential that.”
- The verb in the subordinate clause is in the base form, regardless of the subject.
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| It’s important that she be on time. | “Be” is used instead of “is” because of the subjunctive. |
| It’s necessary that he take the test. | “Take” remains in base form; it does not become “takes.” |
| It’s essential that they stay indoors. | “Stay” stays in base form despite the plural subject. |
Suggestion or Demand
- These occur after verbs like “suggest,” “recommend,” “demand,” “insist,” and “urge.”
- The clause usually begins with “that,” which is often (but not always) included.
- The verb in the subordinate clause remains in the base form.
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| I suggest that she see a doctor. | “See” stays in base form, not “sees.” |
| They demand that he apologize immediately. | “Apologize” is not conjugated for the subject. |
| We insist that you be present. | “Be” remains unchanged, regardless of “you.” |
Hypothetical or Formal Situations
- These are less common but appear in more formal or literary contexts.
- The subjunctive can express situations that are imagined, wished for, or contrary to fact.
- It is more common in fixed expressions and formal writing than in everyday speech.
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| If I be found guilty, I will appeal. | A formal or old-fashioned construction. |
| Should he be absent, notify the office. | A more formal way to express a conditional. |
| God grant you peace. | A fixed expression using the subjunctive. |
Usage Rules
Here is a summary of the key rules to follow when using the present subjunctive in English.
Always Use Base Form
- The verb must be in its simple form (e.g., be, take, see, do), with no endings.
- This rule applies regardless of the subject’s number or person (I, you, he, they, etc.).
Use “be” for All Subjects
- In the subjunctive, use “be” whether the subject is singular or plural.
- Do not use “is,” “are,” or other conjugations for “be.”
Use “that” to Introduce Clause (Usually)
- The subordinating conjunction “that” is typically used before the subjunctive clause.
- In less formal writing, “that” may sometimes be omitted, especially in speech.
Occurs Primarily in Subordinate Clauses
- The subjunctive usually appears in a clause following the main clause.
- Common main clauses include those with verbs of suggestion, demand, or necessity.
Common Verbs and Phrases
Here are some of the most frequent verbs and phrases that call for the present subjunctive.
Verbs of Suggestion, Demand, and Request
- Suggest
- Recommend
- Demand
- Insist
- Urge
- Require
Phrases Indicating Necessity or Importance
- It’s important that …
- It’s necessary that …
- It’s essential that …
- It’s vital that …
- It’s crucial that …
Adjectives and Nouns
- Adjective: important, necessary, essential, vital, requested
- Noun: recommendation, demand, requirement, suggestion
Examples and Practice
Below are examples of the present subjunctive in context, along with explanations.
Complete Examples
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| I suggest that he write the report tonight. | “Write” is in base form due to subjunctive. |
| They demand that the meeting start immediately. | “Start” remains unchanged, not “starts.” |
| It’s important that everyone be informed. | “Be” is used for all subjects in subjunctive. |
Shorter Examples
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| I insist that you be honest. | Base form “be” used with “you.” |
| She recommends that he study more. | “Study” stays in base form. |
| It’s vital that she attend the seminar. | “Attend” is not conjugated for subject. |
Fixed Expressions
| Expression | Use |
|---|---|
| God save the Queen. | Formal/subjunctive expression. |
| So be it. | Used to express acceptance. |
| Heaven forbid. | Expresses a wish that something does not happen. |
Summary
- The present subjunctive is a verb form that appears only in the base form.
- It is used after expressions of necessity, importance, suggestion, demand, and in some formal or hypothetical contexts.
- The key verb in the subjunctive clause remains unchanged, regardless of the subject.
- Common triggers include verbs like “suggest,” “demand,” “insist,” and phrases like “it’s important that.”
- The subjunctive is most often found in formal writing, legal documents, and fixed expressions.
Translate into English using the present subjunctive: "Es crucial que el informe __ (estar) listo mañana."
It’s crucial that the report be ready tomorrow.
The verb "be" remains in base form, replacing "is," in subjunctive clauses.
Translate into English using the present subjunctive: "Si él __ (estar) ausente, informe a la oficina."
If he be absent, inform the office.
The subjunctive form "be" is used in formal conditional clauses, not "is" or "are."
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
