Exercises B1 : The present subjunctive in English

These three exercises are based on the course on the present subjunctive in English. You will practise using the base form of the verb after suggest, recommend, and insist in a variety of realistic contexts.

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Exercice 1 — Fill in the Blanks: Present Subjunctive

Complete each sentence with the correct subjunctive form of the verb in brackets. Write the full sentence in your answer.

1. The doctor recommends that he ___ (take) the medication twice a day.
2. She insists that the report ___ (be) submitted before Friday.
3. We suggest that everyone ___ (arrive) at least ten minutes early.
4. The manager insists that each team member ___ (attend) the weekly meeting.

Correction

1. The doctor recommends that he take the medication twice a day.
2. She insists that the report be submitted before Friday.
3. We suggest that everyone arrive at least ten minutes early.
4. The manager insists that each team member attend the weekly meeting.

Exercice 2 — Sentence Transformation: Using the Subjunctive

Rewrite each sentence using the verb in brackets so that it contains a present subjunctive structure. Write the full transformed sentence.

1. The teacher told the students to read the chapter again. (recommend)
2. My colleague said I should take a break. (suggest)
3. The committee requires that all forms are completed in full. (insist)
4. The nutritionist advises that she eats more vegetables. (recommend)

Correction

1. The teacher recommends that the students read the chapter again.
2. My colleague suggests that I take a break.
3. The committee insists that all forms be completed in full.
4. The nutritionist recommends that she eat more vegetables.

Exercice 3 — Spot and Correct the Errors

Each sentence contains one error related to the present subjunctive. Identify the mistake and rewrite the full sentence correctly.

1. The director insists that she attends every rehearsal without exception.
2. I suggest that he is more careful when writing formal emails.
3. They recommend that the new employee reads the company handbook first.
4. Our lawyer insists that we are present at the signing of the contract.

Correction

1. The director insists that she attend every rehearsal without exception.
2. I suggest that he be more careful when writing formal emails.
3. They recommend that the new employee read the company handbook first.
4. Our lawyer insists that we be present at the signing of the contract.