Use it is plus a formal adjective like essential, crucial, or important plus that plus the base verb, as in it is essential that every employee attend the safety briefing. The verb never adds -s or changes tense, and the negative form uses not plus the base verb with no auxiliary.
Grammar Rule
Formal adjectives expressing necessity or importance trigger the subjunctive: the verb stays in its base form regardless of subject or tense.
Formal Subjunctive Structures: Rules and Examples
| Structure | Rule | Example |
|---|---|---|
| It is + adjective + that + base verb | no -s, no tense change | It is essential that every employee attend the safety briefing. |
| Passive subjunctive | be + past participle | It is crucial that the data be verified before publication. |
| Negative | not + base verb (no auxiliary) | It is vital that the patient not be disturbed during recovery. |
Remember: It is + adjective + that + subject + base verb (no -s, no tense change); passive = be + past participle.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below using the formal subjunctive correctly after adjectives of necessity. 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.
Subjunctive Structures
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do you form a formal subjunctive structure?
Use it is plus an adjective like essential or crucial, plus that plus the base verb, as in it is essential that every employee attend the safety briefing.
How do you form the passive subjunctive?
Use that plus be plus the past participle, as in it is crucial that the data be verified before publication.
How do you form the negative subjunctive?
Use not plus the base verb, with no auxiliary, as in it is vital that the patient not be disturbed during recovery.
Does the verb change for third person in this structure?
No, it stays in its base form with no -s, regardless of the subject.