Part 3 - FOUR OTHER ACTIONS OF VERBS IN THE SUBJUNCTIVE MOODIn this third part of the series, we will discuss the four other actions of the English subjunctive, which like the first two that we took up last week make verbs deviate from their usual behaviors in the indicative or imperative mood. These four other actions are (3) to demand that a particular action be taken, (4) to describe the outcome of an unreal situation or idea contrary to fact, (5) to raise a question about a hypothetical outcome, and (6) to express a request, suggestion, or wish.
To demand that a particular action be taken. Sentences with subjunctive “that”-clauses express the speaker’s insistence that a particular action be taken. The insistence may be in the form of an indirect demand, strong suggestion, or pointed request. In such cases, the verb denoting the action in the subjunctive third-person singular drops the expected “-s” (or “-es”) at its tail end and instead takes its base form (the infinitive form without the “to”): “
We ask that the sports committee defer the tournament to a much later date.” “
It is imperative that we regain respectability.” “
It is important that we take action now.”
To describe the outcome of an unreal situation or idea contrary to fact. The subjunctive denotes a hypothetical state or outcome given a certain condition that is unreal or contrary to fact. Such conditions are typically indicated by the word
“if” or
“wish”, with the verb
“be” sticking to the past-tense subjunctive form
“were” all throughout, regardless of the person and number of its subject:: “
If the Earth were flat, Magellan’s naval expedition couldn’t have circumnavigated the globe.” “
How I wish (that) I were here when she questioned my leadership!” Without “if,” such constructions can sometimes take an inverted syntax: “
Were she the dean, our school wouldn’t be in this academic mess.”
To express doubt about certain appearances or raise a question about an outcome. Statements that cast doubt on observed behavior or raise a question about a presumed outcome often take the subjunctive form. In such statements, regular and irregular verbs in the subjunctive take the same form as their indicative past-tense forms (like “worked,” “caught,” “saw,” and so on), but the verb
“be” sticks to the past-tense subjunctive form
“were” all throughout, regardless of the person and number of its subject: “
He spoke as if he were the only educated person in the group, but the audience knew better.” “That would be an intelligent course of action
if the situation were really as you describe.” “She wouldn’t behave that way
if she were already a professional.”
To express a request or suggestion. The subjunctive can be used to formally express a request, suggestion, or wish by a speaker of lower rank or social station than the one being addressed. In such subjunctive constructions, the verb in the “that”-clause denoting the requested or suggested action sticks to its base form, which is the infinitive form of the verb without the “to” (like “be” and “take”), as in these examples: “
We respectfully request that our annual leave be extended.” “
I suggest that the chairman take the morning flight.” These subjunctive constructions are meant to be formal and officious, reflecting varying degrees of deference to organizational authority or higher social rank.
A notable but milder variation of this form of the subjunctive is the use of the modal verb
“may” to express the speaker’s wish for something beneficent to happen or to be granted to someone: “
May the year 2023 shower you with blessings.” “
May you and your partner enjoy your foreign vacation to the fullest.” “
May Providence be on your side in that venture.”
This completes our full-dress review of verbs in the subjunctive mood, which should have provided you greater confidence in using or dealing with this perplexing grammatical form of the English language. With your clearer understanding of its uses and peculiar grammar behaviors, you should now be able to deal with the subjunctive as competently as you do with the indicative and imperative forms.
READ PARTS 1 AND 2 OF THIS ESSAY IN THE FORUM:Part 1 - Using the subjunctive more confidently Part 2 - Using the subjunctive more confidently(Next recommended reading:
Simpler alternatives for the subjunctive) March 9, 2023
Visit Jose Carillo’s English Forum, http://josecarilloforum.com. You can follow me on Facebook and Twitter and e-mail me at j8carillo@yahoo.com.
