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🌀 Compendium
Grammar
EN
English — the subjunctive (formal)
English has a small, formal subjunctive: the bare base verb in certain that-clauses, and were for unreal situations.
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How it works
✓ Rule
In formal that-clauses after suggest, insist, recommend, essential or important, use the base verb for every person: I suggest that he go (not goes). For unreal situations, use were for all persons: If I were you…
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Where it appears
| Situation | Example |
|---|---|
| that-clause | They insist that he leave now. |
| essential / important | It's important that she be here. |
| unreal (were) | If I were rich, I'd travel. |
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Good to know
⚠ Note
In everyday English the subjunctive is often replaced (I suggest that he goes / should go). But were (not was) after if and I wish is standard in careful English: I wish I were taller. Also set phrases: Long live the King!