Grammar Worksheet — Intro
Subjunctive and Mandative Clauses
Explanation
The mandative subjunctive uses the base form of the verb in formal that-clauses.
It often follows verbs such as recommend, insist, demand, propose, and suggest.
It also follows adjectives such as essential, vital, important, and necessary.
Form
| Use | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Core form | Verb + that + subject + base verb | The panel recommended that the rule be changed. |
| Variation | It + be + adjective + that + subject + base verb | It is essential that every file remain confidential. |
| Advanced form | Negative subjunctive | They insisted that he not contact the witness. |
In the subjunctive, the verb does not take -s in the third person: that he be, not that he is.
Should + base verb is also possible in many varieties of English: that he should be informed.
Examples
- The committee recommended that the proposal be revised.
- It is essential that every applicant receive equal treatment.
- They insisted that the manager attend the hearing.
- The judge ordered that the evidence remain sealed.
- We propose that the deadline be extended.
- It is vital that the data not be altered.
- The report suggests that further research be conducted.
- Her lawyer demanded that she be allowed to respond.
Common Mistakes
- The committee recommended that the proposal is revised. → The committee recommended that the proposal be revised. Use the base form be in a formal mandative clause.
- It is essential that every applicant receives equal treatment. → It is essential that every applicant receive equal treatment. Do not add -s in the subjunctive.
- They insisted that the manager attends the hearing. → They insisted that the manager attend the hearing. Use the base form after insisted that.
- It is vital that the data is not altered. → It is vital that the data not be altered. Use not before the base passive form in formal style.