English subjunctive
The subjunctive may be rare in modern English, but it still exists – especially in formal or hypothetical sentences. It is a special verb form used to express wishes, demands or something hypothetical/uncertain.
There are two main forms of the subjunctive:
1. Present (or mandative) subjunctive
This form is used in sentences expressing demands, suggestions or necessity. Here, the basic form of the verb is used – i.e. without ‘to’ and without ‘-s’ in the third person singular.
| Correct | Common mistake* |
| It’s essential that I be on time. | It’s essential that I am on time. |
| They suggest that she study more. | They suggest that she studies more. |
| (*Common mistake: Using the standard present tense instead of the subjunctive.) | |
2. Hypothetical subjunctive
This form is used when something is described as unreal, unlikely or hypothetical. In such cases, ‘were’ is used instead of ‘was’ – even in the first and third person singular.
| Correct | Common mistake* |
| If I were you, I’d say no. | If I was you, I’d say no. |
| She acts as if she were the boss. | She acts as if she was the boss. |
| (*Mistake: Using the simple past tense instead of the subjunctive.) | |