command subjunctive

Question

Please explain which of the following is correct and why

The letter requires that Ram  complete  the work by evening.
The letter requires that Ram  completes  the work by evening.

Thanks!

confusedmind · Answer

Use the bare form of verb - complete - A

jitgoel · Answer

Completes is singular form of verb, so I think 'B' is correct.

SOURH7WK · Answer

The presence of word that suggests usage of subjunctive verb. And subjunctive verb is always singular whether subject is singular or plural(Violating Subject verb agreement rule)
Ex- Demand that, dictate that, insist that, mandate that etc.

Moreover "require" can be used as subjunctive as well as with "to verb"
Ex- The letter requires Ram to complete the work by evening.

premnath · Answer

You have rightly mentioned "Command Subjunctive" is the subject of this post.

In command subjunctive Mood, bossy verb is used in the sentence. Also, such sentences have two forms.

#1:   here 'that' is used. X requires that Y  do  Z
In this case 'be' form of the verb is used.
As per your example following one is right: The letter requires that Ram  complete  the work by evening.

#2:   There is a second form of Command Subjunctive where 'that' is not used. It has following structure.
X requires Y  to do  Z.

Here is an example from Manhattan book

"It is necessary that our condominium association comply with the new ordinance,
which  requires homeowners to clear  the snow from the sidewalks in front of their property."

jabhatta2 · Answer

Hi  VeritasKarishma  - i am asking this q based on a OG problem

i) I   demand   THAT Sam (work/works) here 
ii) I   ensure   THAT Sam (work/works) here

In case i), because of    demand     - we use the bare form ( work ) even though Sam is singular

Shouldn't we use the bare form ( work ) in the second case as well ? Using the bare form ( work ) in the second case is wrong though per my understanding

Do you know, why this difference becuse    demand     and    ensure     BOTH per my understanding, bossy verbs

KarishmaB · Answer

"ensure" is not a bossy verb. We don't use subjunctive with it. 
"Ensure" means to make sure, to guarantee.

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command subjunctive

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