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Grammar 2-132

The document discusses the use of the subjunctive form in English, highlighting its application in fixed expressions and after certain verbs and adjectives that convey necessity or importance. It explains that the subjunctive can refer to events in the past, present, or future and is primarily used in formal contexts. Additionally, it contrasts the subjunctive with past tenses used to express 'unreal' situations and preferences.

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3 views

Grammar 2-132

The document discusses the use of the subjunctive form in English, highlighting its application in fixed expressions and after certain verbs and adjectives that convey necessity or importance. It explains that the subjunctive can refer to events in the past, present, or future and is primarily used in formal contexts. Additionally, it contrasts the subjunctive with past tenses used to express 'unreal' situations and preferences.

Uploaded by

zoeludmilaweber
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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The subjunctive and

'unreal' uses of past forms


We use the subjunctive form in certain fixed expressions and after some verbs and
adjectives which express the idea of necessity, importance, etc. The subjunctive form
can be used to refer to events and situations in the past, present or future. We use it
mostly in formal and literary language.
After certain expressions we can also use past tenses to refer to the past, present or
future, to describe things which are seen as 'unreal' or unlikely. This is similar to the
use of past tenses in conditionals (~Unit 10). In this unit we look at the way we use
past tenses after particular expressions and to express preference and necessity.

~..... THE SUBJUNCTIVE


11.1 A The subjunctive form is the same as the infinitive (without to). It does not show any
Form and marking for tense and can be used to refer to events in the past, present or future. We
use use it most often in that clauses after certain verbs (e.g. advise, ask, demand, insist,
propose, recommend, request, suggest), and after adjectives (e.g. advisable, anxious,
desirable, eager, essential, important, necessary, preferable, vital, willing), to express
the idea that something is necessary or important:
At yesterday's hearing the judge insisted (that) Mr Grant give evidence despite his
relationship to the accused.
In future cases it will be vital that each party give full disclosure prior to trial.
We can use passive and negative forms of the sUbjunctive:
Members of the committee suggested England be excluded from future international
tournaments.
Regulations require that officers not enter the crime scene without protective clothing.
The verb be has an alternative subjunctive form were which is sometimes called the
past subjunctive and is used to talk about the imagined present or future (~ 11.2B)
and in conditionals (~ 10.4A).
11.1 B The subjunctive is used in reported speech, very formal language (e.g. regulations, legal
Informal documents) and in poetry:
alternatives She insisted that she pay her own way.
We require that all receipts be submitted to the committee for approval.
I know not whether laws be right,
Or whether laws be wrong. (Oscar Wilde)
As the use of the subjunctive is rather formal or literary in British English (it is less
formal and more common in US English), British English speakers prefer to use should
+ infinitive or the forms listed below in most situations:
It is vital that every applicant complete the form in triplicate. (subjunctive)
It is vital that every applicant should complete the form in triplicate. (should +
infinitive)
It is vital that every applicant completes the form in triplicate. (present simple)
It is vital for every applicant to complete the form in triplicate. (for + subject + to +
infinitive)

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