Advanced uses of the subjunctive in English : complete course

What Is the Subjunctive in English?

The subjunctive is a verb mood used to express wishes, hypothetical situations, demands, and things that are not necessarily true. Unlike the indicative mood, which describes facts, the subjunctive often signals doubt, necessity, or possibility. In English, it is less visible than in other languages, but it plays a key role in formal and advanced writing.

Simple Examples to Get Started

• I suggest that he be more careful. (not ‘is’)
• It is essential that she arrive on time. (not ‘arrives’)
• If I were you, I would study more. (not ‘was’)

Notice how the verb does not follow the usual rules of agreement. This is the subjunctive at work.

The Key Elements of Advanced Subjunctive Use in English

The subjunctive in English appears in several specific contexts. Let us explore the main ones.

1. The Present Subjunctive (Base Form)

The present subjunctive uses the base form of the verb for all subjects, including ‘he’, ‘she’, and ‘it’. This is different from the standard third-person singular which adds an ‘s’.

• The doctor recommends that the patient drink more water.
• It is important that every student submit their work on time.
• The manager insists that John attend the meeting.

This form is often used after verbs of suggestion, recommendation, demand, or requirement, such as: suggest, recommend, insist, require, demand, propose, ask.

2. The Past Subjunctive (Were)

The past subjunctive is most visible with the verb ‘to be’. Instead of ‘was’, we use ‘were’ for all persons, especially in hypothetical or contrary-to-fact situations.

• If she were the president, things would be different.
• I wish it were summer already.
• Suppose he were to resign tomorrow.

This structure often appears with ‘if’, ‘wish’, ‘suppose’, ‘as if’, and ‘as though’.

3. Fixed Expressions and Formulaic Subjunctives

Some expressions in English use the subjunctive in a fixed way. These are often formal or literary phrases that you should recognise and learn as set expressions.

• God save the King.
• Long live the republic.
• Heaven forbid that anything goes wrong.
• Be that as it may…

Why Advanced Subjunctive Use Matters

You might wonder: ‘Can I just avoid the subjunctive in English?’ In informal speech, many native speakers do. But in formal writing, academic texts, business communication, and professional contexts, using the subjunctive correctly shows a high level of language mastery. It also helps you sound more precise and credible. If you want to write reports, essays, or formal emails with confidence, understanding the subjunctive is essential.

Comparison with Other Languages

If you speak French or Spanish, you already know that the subjunctive is used very frequently in those languages. In English, it is more discreet but still present.

In French and Spanish, the subjunctive changes verb endings significantly and is triggered by a wide range of expressions. In English, the change is subtle, often just the removal of a final ‘s’ or the use of ‘were’ instead of ‘was’. This makes it easier to learn, but also easier to miss.

A Complete Example

Here is a short paragraph that uses the subjunctive in different ways. Read it carefully and identify each subjunctive form.

‘The committee requires that every candidate submit a written application. It is essential that the form be completed in full. If the applicant were to miss the deadline, they would lose their place. I wish the process were simpler, but rules must be followed.’

• submit – present subjunctive after ‘requires that’
• be – present subjunctive after ‘it is essential that’
• were to – past subjunctive in a hypothetical condition
• were – past subjunctive after ‘I wish’

Key Points to Remember

• The subjunctive uses the base form of the verb (no ‘s’ for third person singular).
• Use ‘were’ instead of ‘was’ in hypothetical or wishful statements.
• Common triggers include: suggest, recommend, insist, require, demand, wish, if.
• The subjunctive is more common in formal and written English.
• Some fixed expressions use the subjunctive and should be learned as set phrases.
• Compared to French and Spanish, the English subjunctive is subtle but still important.

Sources

• Quirk, R., Greenbaum, S., Leech, G., and Svartvik, J. (1985). A Comprehensive Grammar of the English Language. Longman.
• Huddleston, R. and Pullum, G. K. (2002). The Cambridge Grammar of the English Language. Cambridge University Press.
• Swan, M. (2005). Practical English Usage. Oxford University Press.