The American subjunctive: when and how to use it

Introduction

The subjunctive mood in American English is essential for expressing wishes, suggestions, demands, or hypothetical situations. While it might seem complex, mastering the subjunctive can significantly enhance your performance on the TOEIC test, particularly in the Reading section.

Explanation

The subjunctive mood is used in specific situations, often following certain verbs and expressions. It typically appears in sentences that express necessity, urgency, or hypothetical scenarios. The structure is straightforward: use the base form of the verb, regardless of the subject.

• After verbs like "suggest," "recommend," "demand," and "insist":

  • "The manager suggested that he attend the meeting."

  • "They demanded that she be on time."

• After expressions like "it's important that," "it's necessary that," and "it's crucial that":

  • "It's important that he complete the report by Friday."

  • "It's crucial that everyone be aware of the changes."

Common mistakes

• Using the wrong verb form: Learners often mistakenly use the present simple instead of the base form. For example, "The manager suggested that he attends the meeting." Instead, it should be "attend."

• Forgetting the subjunctive after certain expressions: Remember that expressions of importance or urgency require the subjunctive. For example, "It's necessary that she is informed" should be "It's necessary that she be informed."

Tips for the TOEIC test

• Look for trigger words: Pay attention to verbs and expressions that often require the subjunctive. This can help you quickly identify when to use it.

• Focus on the base form: Remember that the subjunctive uses the base form of the verb, which is the same as the infinitive without "to."

• Practice with context: Understanding the context of a sentence can help you determine if the subjunctive is needed.

Mini practice

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb in parentheses:

• The director insisted that the report (be) __________ submitted by Monday.

• It's essential that she (attend) __________ the conference next week.

• They recommended that he (start) __________ the project immediately.

Answers:

• be

• attend

• start