The mandative subjunctive uses the bare base form of the verb after adjectives of necessity like it is imperative that and verbs of demand like insist or recommend, regardless of subject or tense, as in the auditors insisted that the accounts be reviewed. The negative places not directly before the base verb.
Grammar Rule
The present subjunctive appears after adjectives of necessity (it is imperative/essential that) and verbs of demand (demand, insist, recommend, require, suggest that). The subordinate verb takes its bare base form regardless of subject or tense, never adding -s, and be replaces is/was/am/are/were. The negative places not directly before the base verb.
Advanced English Subjunctive: Rules and Examples
| Trigger | Rule | Example |
|---|---|---|
| It is imperative/essential that | + subject + bare base verb | It is imperative that the board approve the merger. |
| Demand/insist/recommend/require that | + subject + bare base verb, never -s | The auditors insisted that the accounts be reviewed. |
| Negative | not + bare base verb | The doctor suggested that the patient not skip any doses. |
Remember: After mandative expressions, the subordinate verb stays in its bare base form, never adding -s or changing tense.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below using the mandative subjunctive correctly. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
C1-08 Advanced English Subjunctive
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Frequently Asked Questions
What form does the verb take after it is imperative that?
The bare base form, as in it is imperative that the board approve the merger.
What form does the verb take after insist or recommend that?
The bare base form, never adding -s, as in the auditors insisted that the accounts be reviewed.
Where does not go in the negative mandative subjunctive?
Directly before the base verb, as in the doctor suggested that the patient not skip any doses.
Does the subjunctive verb form change with tense or subject?
No, it stays in the bare base form regardless of subject or tense.