Understanding the Subjunctive Mood

The subjunctive mood is a verb form used to express

i.e wishes, recommendations, demands, doubts, and possibilities.

Unlike the indicative mood (used for facts) and the imperative mood (used for commands), the subjunctive deals with what isn’t yet real but is suggested, necessary, or imagined.

When to Use the Subjunctive

1. After Certain Verbs (Recommend, Suggest, Demand, Insist, etc.)
These verbs often trigger the subjunctive because they express advice, necessity, or urgency rather than facts.

Structure:

[Verb of suggestion/demand] + that + [subject] + [base verb (no -s)]

✅ She suggests that he study harder. (Not “studies”)
✅ The boss demands that the report be finished today. (Not “is”)
✅ I insist that she come with us. (Not “comes”)

Common Verbs:

Advise, ask, command, demand, desire, insist, propose, recommend, request, suggest, urge

2. After Expressions of Necessity or Importance

Phrases like “It is necessary that,” “It is important that,” “It is crucial that” also require the subjunctive.

✅ It’s essential that he arrive on time. (Not “arrives”)
✅ It’s important that she be honest. (Not “is”)

3. Hypothetical/Wishful Situations (Using “Were” Instead of “Was”)

For unreal or imaginary situations, we use “were” for all subjects (I, he, she, it), even if it’s singular.

✅ If I were rich, I would travel the world. (Not “was”)
✅ She acts as if she were the boss. (Not “was”)

4. Fixed Phrases & Formal Expressions

Some common subjunctive phrases include:

God save the Queen! (Not “saves”)

Long live the king! (Not “lives”)

So be it.

Key Rules to Remember
No -s in third-person singular (he, she, it):

❌ She insists that he goes.

✅ She insists that he go.

“Be” is used instead of “am/is/are” in present subjunctive:

❌ It’s important that she is here.

✅ It’s important that she be here.

“Were” replaces “was” in hypotheticals:

❌ If I was you, I’d apologize.

✅ If I were you, I’d apologize.

Practice Sentences (Correct the Errors)
❌ The teacher requires that everyone brings their book.
✅ The teacher requires that everyone bring their book.

❌ It’s crucial that he is on time.
✅ It’s crucial that he be on time.

❌ I wish I was taller.
✅ I wish I were taller.

Final Summary
Use the base verb (no -s) after verbs like suggest, demand, insist.

Use “be” instead of “am/is/are” in formal demands.

Use “were” for hypotheticals (wishes, “if” clauses).