Answer:
The English subjunctive is a special, relatively rare verb form that expresses something desired or imagined.
We use the subjunctive mainly when talking about events that are not certain to happen. For example, we use the subjunctive when talking about events that somebody:
wants to happen
anticipates will happen
imagines happening
Base Subjunctive
Form of base subjunctive
The form of the base subjunctive is extremely simple. For all verbs and all persons, the form is the base of the verb, for example: be, have, do, go, sing, work
The base subjunctive does not use any other forms (goes, sings, works).
This table shows the base subjunctive in all persons, using the verbs be, work and sing as examples:
base-subjunctive
be work sing
I be work sing
you be work sing
he, she, it be work sing
we be work sing
you be work sing
they be work sing
Note that the subjunctive does not change at all according to person (I, you, he etc).
Use of base subjunctive
In certain that clauses
The base subjunctive is typically used in that clauses after two structures:
1. suggest-verb (or noun) + that
advise, ask, command, demand, desire, insist, order, prefer, propose, recommend, request, suggest
command, demand, order, proposal, recommendation, request, suggestion
2. advisable/anxious-adjective + that
advisable, best, crucial, desirable, essential, imperative, important, necessary, unthinkable, urgent, vital
adamant, anxious, determined, eager, keen
Look at these sentences which include examples of the above:
main clause
suggest-verb that clause
with subjunctive
He suggests that you be present at the meeting.
The board recommend that he join the company.
He requested that the car park not be locked at night.
main clause
suggest-noun that clause
with subjunctive
They made a suggestion that we be early.
He made a proposal that the company buy more land.
The president has issued an order that the secretary resign next month.
Explanation:
