Use verbs like suggest, recommend, insist, demand, and propose plus that plus the subject plus the base verb with no third-person -s, as in the doctor recommended that she rest for a few days. These verbs trigger the subjunctive mood, so the verb never changes form or backshifts.
Grammar Rule
Verbs like suggest, recommend, insist, demand, and propose trigger the subjunctive mood: the verb stays in its base form with no backshift.
Reported Speech with the Subjunctive: Rules and Examples
| Verb | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| suggest/recommend/insist/demand/propose | that + subject + base verb (no -s) | The doctor recommended that she rest for a few days. |
| Passive subjunctive | that + be + past participle | The manager demanded that the report be submitted by Friday. |
| Negative | not + base verb | The lawyer insisted that his client not answer any questions. |
Remember: suggest/recommend/insist/demand + that + subject + base verb (no -s, no backshift); negative = not + base verb.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below using the subjunctive correctly after reporting verbs. 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.
Reported Speech Subjunctive
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do you use the subjunctive after recommend?
Use that plus the subject plus the base verb, with no -s, as in the doctor recommended that she rest for a few days.
How do you form the passive subjunctive?
Use that plus be plus the past participle, as in the manager demanded that the report be submitted by Friday.
How do you form the negative subjunctive?
Use not plus the base verb, as in the lawyer insisted that his client not answer any questions.
Does the subjunctive verb backshift in the past?
No, it stays in its base form regardless of the tense of the reporting verb.