The Subjunctive Mood is a special type of verb form in English. We use it to talk about situations that are not facts. Instead, it expresses demands, recommendations, suggestions, or vital necessities.
It is very common in formal writing, workplace emails, news reports, and exam tasks.
1. Form of the Subjunctive
The most important rule of the subjunctive mood is its simplicity: it always uses the base form of the verb (the infinitive without to).
- It does not change for the third person singular (he/she/it). No “-s” at the end!
- It does not change for past or present tenses.
- The verb to be is always be (never am, is, are, was, were).
- For negative sentences, simply put not right before the verb (do not use don’t, doesn’t, didn’t).
- Example: The doctor recommended that he stop smoking. (Not: stops)
- Example: It is vital that she be present at the meeting. (Not: is / will be)
- Example: The boss insisted that we not leave early. (Not: don’t leave)
2. Common Verbs triggering the Subjunctive
You use the subjunctive mood inside a clause starting with “that” after these common verbs:
- advise, ask, command, demand, insist, order, propose, recommend, request, suggest, urge
- Example: I suggest that he apply for the job.
3. Common Adjectives triggering the Subjunctive
You also use it after impersonal expressions following the pattern: It is + adjective + that...
- crucial, essential, imperative, important, mandatory, necessary, urgent, vital
- Example: It is essential that everyone arrive on time.