Home › C1 › Grammar › The subjunctive: I suggest he be…
The subjunctive: I suggest he be…
C1 C1 grammar · lesson 5 of 16
The subjunctive is a special base-form verb used after words of demand, suggestion and importance. It appears in formal writing, rules, contracts and official advice.
Rule
After certain verbs, adjectives and nouns that express a demand, suggestion, request or necessity, formal English uses the subjunctive in the that-clause. The subjunctive is simply the base form of the verb, used for all persons and in all tenses.
This means there is no -s in the third person, and be stays be (not is / are / was).
| Normal (indicative) | Subjunctive |
|---|---|
| He works late. | I suggest that he work late. |
| She is on time. | It is vital that she be on time. |
| He doesn’t leave. | They insisted that he not leave. |
| The rules are changed. | We recommend that the rules be changed. |
Words that trigger the subjunctive
- Verbs: suggest, recommend, propose, insist, demand, request, ask, require, urge
- Adjectives (It is … that): essential, vital, crucial, important, necessary, imperative, advisable
- Nouns: suggestion, recommendation, proposal, demand, requirement, insistence
The doctor suggested that Maria rest for a week.
The manager insisted that every report be checked twice.
It is essential that each student bring a photo ID.
Leo’s request that the meeting be moved was accepted.
They demanded that the company pay them in full.
It is important that he not miss the deadline.
Negative and passive
To make the subjunctive negative, put not before the base verb – there is no do: that he not be disturbed. For the passive, use be + past participle: that the door be locked.
Alternatives: should and normal tenses
In British English, should + base verb is a common, slightly less formal alternative: I suggest that he should see a doctor. In informal speech, many people simply use the normal tense: I suggest he sees a doctor. Also note that suggest can take an -ing form: I suggest seeing a doctor. But never use suggest + object + to-infinitive.
Fixed old expressions also contain the subjunctive: Long live the king!, Be that as it may…, So be it.
Common mistakes
✗ The teacher insisted that he arrives on time.
✓ The teacher insisted that he arrive on time.
✗ I suggest him to call the bank.
✓ I suggest that he call the bank.
✗ It is vital that she doesn’t forget.
✓ It is vital that she not forget.
✗ They requested that the room is cleaned.
✓ They requested that the room be cleaned.