The subjunctive – how to use and where to use ?

The subjunctive – how to use and where to use?

To express a wish or a situation, which is improbable we use the subjunctive. This form is hardly used in British English, it’s rather popular with Americans. But, in formal speech or phrases, it is still used.

• Heaven help us!
• Heaven forbid that he should leave her.
• God bless you!
• God help us!
• Suffice it to say he escaped with only a caution.

The present subjunctive

'-s' or '-es' will be dropped in singular active verbs. 

The verb form is the same for all persons(1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd person). That is, -s won’t be added at the end of the verb even when it is used with 3rd person singular. The subjunctive is used in subordinate clauses expressing a demand, a desire, a recommendation, or a determination.

• I only ask that he stop acting in this astonishing way.
• It is important that they be heard at once.

Conjunction ‘That’ is used to connect the subjunctive to the main clause.

The past subjunctive

'was' is replaced by 'were'

The past subjunctive is used in the examples given below:

• If your father were here, he would help you.
• If I were rich, I would buy a Bungalow.
• He wish he were taller.
• You talk to me as if I were your slave!
• Those people behave as though dogs were human.

Sub + Subjunctive Verbs (any tense) + that + Object + Infinitive (to + verb) + Complement

Subjunctive Adjectives:

Advised           Necessary       Urgent             Required                     Important

Obligatory       Mandatory       Suggested        Recommended             Imperative

Structure:

It + be verb + Subjunctive Adjective + that + Sub + Base Form of Verb + Comp

Examples:

 - It was advised that Dorothy cook the dinner first.

 - It is imperative that you work on legal notice. 

 - It was necessary that Alfred study Maths.

 - It is urgent that I buy a car.

Other Situations where subjunctives are used:

1. Counterfactual- It is contrary to the facts situation. if there is a possibility that something could, might, would happen then opposite to the fact, the subjunctive structure is used: 

"If only I were taller; I would definitely defeat him."

2. Imperatives – These are used to give a command.

 “She demanded that Nicholas re-join the company.”

3. Necessity - Something needs to occur for another condition to happen.

 “It is necessary that I learn German before visiting Germany.”

4. Proposition - something to be considered, accepted or done

“Neha proposed that they think over the proposal.”

5. Wish:- a strong desire or hope for something to happen which is impossible.

“I wish that I were not married before achieving financial success.”

We may also use 'would' after 'I wish' to show that you are angry about the existing situation:
 "I wish you would stop yelling at children."