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The Subjunctive Mood of Verbs

Select from each pair the verb or verb phrase that illustrates the proper use of the subjunctive mood:

For the test program, we desired that no test section bleed (be / was) used.
We suggest that a calibration of these conditions (should be / be) included as part of the next test section calibration entry.
It is recommended (to use m₁₂>4 / that m₁₂>4 be used) to obtain c>10.
If it (was / were) possible to be paid for overtime, I would prefer that to receiving comp time.
Note that the inequity (1.5.4) provides that the envelope (is / be) a regular surface.
If I (were / was) downloading shareware programs from the Internet, I would be fearful of destructive viruses, such as Michelangelo.
If effort (was / were) as important as results, many would consider themselves successful.
The resolution attached to the flood-relief bill requires that in the event of a shutdown resulting from the President's failure to sign the FY98 budget, the government (should be / be) funded at 100 percent of the FY97 budget.

For an explanation of troublesome idiomatic prepositions, see Quirks of English.

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Last updated: 1/20/2009