The Grammaring Guide to English Grammar with Exercises

Present subjunctive

The present subjunctive is identical to the bare infinitive form of the verb in all persons, including the third person singular (no final -s). It is usually used in formal or literary styles:

In certain set phrases

I see what you mean.

Be

that as it may, I can't agree with you.

(even so, still)

Come

what may, I will not resign!

(whatever happens)

"I am a Jedi. Like my father before me." "So

be

it... Jedi."

(it's okay with me, I accept this)

I do not want to bore you;

suffice

it to say, we finally got a full refund.

(it is sufficient to say)

In exclamations that express a wish or hope

Rest

in peace!

Bless

you!

God

save

the King!

After adjectives such as IMPORTANT, ESSENTIAL, VITAL etc.

It is/it was + adjective + that can be followed by a present subjunctive if the adjective expresses importance or necessity or that something should be done:

It is vital that everybody

get

there before the examination begins.

It is desirable that Mr Hanson

hand

in his resignation.

It is important that you

be

at home when the lawyers arrive.

It is essential that the car

be waiting

at the airport.

It is imperative that products

be tested

carefully.

In such sentences, the present subjunctive can be replaced with the less formal should + infinitive:

It is vital that everybody

should get

there before the examination begins.

After verbs such as INSIST, SUGGEST, RECOMMEND etc.

Mike insisted that I

try

his new muffin recipe.

I suggest that your cousin

apply

at once.

Carl was injured last week, and the doctor recommended that he

not play

in the next match.

Again, the present subjunctive can be replaced with should + infinitive in less formal styles:

I suggest that your cousin

should apply

at once.

Related topics:

Reporting verb + THAT-clause with the present subjunctive