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The subjunctive - Easy Learning Grammar

The subjunctive was formerly used in English for situations that were improbable or that expressed a wish. It is only rarely used in modern British English. It is, however, found in certain set phrases and in very formal forms of speech and writing.

God save the Queen!

God bless you!

God help us!

Heaven help us!

Heaven forbid that that should happen to me.

Suffice it to say he escaped with only a caution.

The present subjunctive

The form in the present tense is exactly the same as the base form in all persons of the verb. That is, there is no -s on the 3rd person singular.

The subjunctive is used, in very formal English, in subordinate clauses that follow verbs expressing a desire, a demand, a formal recommendation, or a resolve.

I only ask that he cease behaving in this extraordinary manner.

It is vital that they be stopped at once.

Is it really necessary that she work all hours of the day?

I demand that he do something to make up for this.

The clause containing the subjunctive is linked to the main clause with that.

This use of the subjunctive is more common in American English than in British English. British speakers usually take advantage of other ways of expressing the same message, especially in less formal speech.

I only ask that he should cease behaving in this extraordinary manner.

It is vital that they are stopped at once.

It is vital to stop them at once.

Is it really necessary for her to work all hours of the day?

I demand that he does something to make up for this.

Summertime is my favourite season because it means freedom from my school and hard studies. I usually go to bed after midnight in summer and I can sleep as late as I can. It’s a big deal for me because I get really tired of waking up early during the school year.

The most important thing for me is to spend exciting and fantastic summer holidays loaded with activity and adventure. During our long summer holidays I have much fun meeting my friends, going to a summer camp, swimming in the river and eating plenty of fruits, berries and ice-cream. Sometimes my family travels somewhere to a warm and beautiful place near the sea. We spend much time swimming, diving, sunbathing and building sandcastles and sculptures, we also go sightseeing and try the national cuisine in new places. And we take a lot of funny pictures there.

In July or August I often go to hiking expeditions along the river with my elder brother and our friends. As a rule our hiking trips last for about 4 or 5 days. It depends on the weather. Hiking is really arduous and thrilling. You have no mobile phones or the Internet there. You just relax, enjoy the nature and fresh air of the countryside, sunbathe at the beach, play volleyball, go fishing and boating, live in a tent and cook on the fire. Hiking is worth going because you also learn to live and help each other in a team.

My summer holidays are always full of unforgettable impressions. I long for the next holidays because I am sure I’ll have a great time again.