Exercises B2 : uses of the subjunctive in English (answers)

These three exercises are based on the B2 course on the English subjunctive. Practice the key patterns covered in the lesson to consolidate your grammar and writing skills.

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Exercice 1 — The Subjunctive in Context

Fill in each blank with the correct subjunctive form of the verb given in brackets. Write the complete sentence as your answer.

1. The committee recommended that every participant ___ (submit) a written report before the deadline.
2. It is essential that the manager ___ (be) informed of any changes to the project immediately.
3. The judge insisted that the witness ___ (remain) in the courtroom until the hearing was over.
4. It is vital that each student ___ (have) access to the necessary resources throughout the course.

Correction

1. The committee recommended that every participant submit a written report before the deadline.
2. It is essential that the manager be informed of any changes to the project immediately.
3. The judge insisted that the witness remain in the courtroom until the hearing was over.
4. It is vital that each student have access to the necessary resources throughout the course.

Exercice 2 — Rewriting with the Subjunctive

Rewrite each sentence using the subjunctive structure indicated in brackets. Write the complete transformed sentence.

1. The doctor told him he had to rest for a week. [Use: insisted that]
2. It is very important for all delegates to arrive on time. [Use: It is crucial that]
3. The board decided that the CEO should step down from his position. [Use: proposed that]
4. We strongly advise the applicants to bring two forms of identification. [Use: It is strongly advised that]

Correction

1. The doctor insisted that he rest for a week.
2. It is crucial that all delegates arrive on time.
3. The board proposed that the CEO step down from his position.
4. It is strongly advised that the applicants bring two forms of identification.

Exercice 3 — Spot and Correct the Error

Each sentence contains one grammatical error related to the subjunctive. Identify the error and rewrite the complete correct sentence.

1. The professor requires that each student submits their essay in printed form.
2. It is imperative that the report is completed before the end of the week.
3. The supervisor suggested that he takes a different approach to the problem.
4. It is necessary that all staff members are present at the briefing tomorrow morning.

Correction

1. The professor requires that each student submit their essay in printed form.
2. It is imperative that the report be completed before the end of the week.
3. The supervisor suggested that he take a different approach to the problem.
4. It is necessary that all staff members be present at the briefing tomorrow morning.