--for those who speak English as their second language or who just want to improve their writing
(Text-only version of Quirks of English)
The subjunctive mood of verbs is used to indicate doubt toward statements you are making or to state a requirement. The other two moods are the indicative, used to make a statement or to ask a question, and the imperative, used to give a command.
Subjunctive: The policy at NASA Lewis is that your badge be worn at all times.
Indicative: The policy at NASA Lewis is that you are to
wear your badge at all times.
Is the policy at NASA that we are to wear our badges at all times?
Imperative: At NASA Lewis, wear your badge at all times.
The most common way to form the subjunctive is to omit the "s" from the third person singular (he, she, it) form of the verb as in
The rule is that she ask permission to leave class. (This sentence states a requirement.)
The second way to form the subjunctive is to use the second person singular (you) form of the verb to be, as in
If I were going to see another Jackie Chan movie, I would take a tranquilizer beforehand. (The "if" indicates doubt.)
The third way to form the subjunctive is to use be, as in
It was resolved that players be penalized if they spit at the umpire. (This sentence states a requirement.)
The subjunctive has three uses: (1) idioms, (2) "that" clauses, and (3) conditions. Many such idioms, once in general use, have survived in the speech of your grandparents:
Far be it from me
Suffice it to say
Heaven forbid
Glory be
Be it said
Peace be with you
Heaven help us
If need be
Be that as it may
In "that" clauses, the subjunctive is used to express recommendations, resolutions, requirements, and demands:
Attached to the disaster-relief bill is the resolution that the government not be shut down if the President fails to sign the FY98 budget.
The security of the Lewis computing networks requires that only browsers approved by CSD be permitted to operate in JAVA-enabled mode.
The teacher demanded that the student have a hall pass to enter class after the bell.
The third use of the subjunctive is to express a doubt about the fulfillment of a condition or to indicate a condition contrary to fact:
If lawyers were to choose juries for their integrity rather than for their ignorance, we would not see so many outlandish lawsuits settled in favor of the complainants.
If I were Bruce Willis, I would forget about movies for now and concentrate on Planet Hollywood.
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Last updated: 1/20/2009