The Subjunctive in English

The English subjunctive appears in certain formal situations, especially after verbs that express importance, suggestions, or wishes. It’s not very common in everyday conversation, which is why many learners (and even native speakers) find it confusing.

When the subjunctive is used

The subjunctive uses the base form of the verb (infinitive without “to”). For be, this becomes be in present contexts and were in hypothetical situations.

1. After verbs of suggestion, demand, or necessity

After verbs like suggest, insist, demand, recommend, request, propose, we often use:

that + subject + base form

• I suggest that he be more patient.
• They insisted that the meeting start on time.
• The doctor recommended that she rest.

British vs. American English:

• British English often uses should: “I suggest that he should be more patient.”
• American English prefers the bare subjunctive: “I suggest that he be more patient.”

2. After adjectives expressing importance

We use the same structure after adjectives like essential, important, necessary, vital.

• It is essential that everyone be present.
• It’s important that she stay calm.

3. In unreal or hypothetical wishes

We use the past subjunctive form, traditionally were for all subjects:

• I wish I were taller.
• I wish it were summer already.

Important note: In everyday modern English, many people say “I wish I was…”. It is widely used and increasingly accepted, though “I wish I were” remains the formal or traditional form.

The subjunctive is fading in everyday speech

In casual English, people often drop the subjunctive completely:

• “I suggest he is more careful” (informal; sounds incorrect to some speakers)
• “They insisted the meeting was earlier” (informal)

These forms are common in conversation, but in writing — especially formal or academic writing — the subjunctive is still preferred.