Subjunctive: Examples

What is the subjunctive?

Some languages have special verb forms called ‘subjunctive’, which are used especially to talk about ‘unreal’ situations: things which are possible, desirable or imaginary. Older English had subjunctives, but in modern English they have mostly been replaced by uses of should, would and other modal verbs, by special uses of past tenses (past verb form with present or future meaning), and by ordinary verb forms. English only has a few subjunctive forms left: 

• third-person singular present verbs without s, (e.g. she see, he have) 
• special forms of be (e.g. I be, he were). 
• he/ she /it were 

Ordinary verbs only have one subjunctive form: a third person singular present with no -s, to express the idea that something is important or desirable:

• It is essential that every child have the same educational opportunities.
• It was important that James contact Arthur as soon as possible.
• Our advice is that the company invest in new equipment.
• The judge recommended that Simmons remain in prison for life.
• Members of the committee suggested England be excluded from future tournaments.
• We felt it desirable that he not leave school before eighteen. (no doesn't here)
• It is important that Helen be present when we sign the papers.
• The Director asked that he be allowed to advertise for more staff.
• Regulations require that officers not enter the crime scene without protective clothing. (no don't here)
• It's not really vital he be involved in this call.
• I recommended that you move to another office.
• Harris was determined that the film be authentic.
• The deal requires that teachers join the union.
• The Director asked that he be allowed to advertise for more staff.
• I demand you release him now.
• I would respectfully suggest that you keep to your cabin.
• Then I suggest that you run.

***

• If I were you I should stop smoking. (But I'm not you)
• I wish it were Saturday. (It isn't Saturday)
• It's time we left. (We aren't leaving and we should be)
• It's high time the voice of the people was heard. (The voice isn't heard and it should be)
• I wish I was coming with you tomorrow. (I'm not coming)
• I wish I'd never met him. (but I did meet him)
• I'd rather you stopped talking. (He is talking too much and has every intention to continue to do so)
• I'd rather you stayed at home tonight. (But the likelihood is that you are going out)
• I would rather they did something about it instead of just talking about it. 
• He talks to the kids as if (as though) they were imbeciles. (We know they aren't imbeciles)
• They are acting as if (as though) nothing had happened. (We know something has happened)
• If he knew the mountains, he would go alone. He doesn't, so he needs a guide.
• What would happen if somebody were to blow up that bridge?
• Imagine if he asked you to marry him. What would you say?
• Suppose I were your boss. How would you feel?
• Imagine we could all fly. Wouldn’t that be fun!

note #1:

We can't use a negative after it's time (about / high) time:

It's time we didn't stay.

It's time we left. 

note #2
We can use a present tense after as if / as though, if we don't know if the appearance reflects the reality or not.

You talk about her as if you know her. (We aren't sure, perhaps he knows her)
You talk about her as if you knew her. (We are sure that he doesn't know her)