Subjunctive

presentsubjunctive

• [indicative] that [subject] [base verb]

  • I prefer that she bring (brings) cupcakes instead of muffins.
  • I demand that you be (are) quiet during the movie.
  • The committee proposed that the new regulation take effect on January 1.
  • It is essential that he be here.
  • It’s preferable that you not publish the story.
  • My recommendation is that they not be punished.
  • The librarian asked that the rare books not be touched

• Adjectives: best, better, essential, important, vital, crucial, imperative, necessary

• Verbs: ask, insist, advise, prefer, propose, recommend, pray, urge, demand, request, suggest

pastsubjunctive

In the traditional past subjunctive, were is used with all subjects, though many speakers do not actually distinguish the past subjunctive from the past indicative, and therefore use was with first- and third-person singular subjects even in cases where other speakers would use were.

• I wish I were rich.
• If she were here, she would know what to do.
• If your father were alive, he would help you.
• I wish that it were Sunday.
• I wish that I were with you.

with “if” omitted, put first in an “if” clause:

• Were it simply that she wore a hat, I would not be upset at all. (= If it were simply…)
• Were father a king, we would have war. (= If father were a king,…)

for

• It is best for her to stay here tonight.
• It’s important for Norah to win the competition.
• It’s better for him to do it on his own.

unembedded subjunctive

• (May) God save the Queen
• (May) heaven forbid (it)