Subjunctive and use of that with simple verb form

Question

Hi all,

I'm trying to improve my GMAT verbal score so I started studying various materials such as Manhattan verbal book and various topics in this great forum. Of course I'm missing a lot of basic grammar rules that I try to figure out. One of which is:

Subjunctive!

One of the sites has a fill-the-blanks quiz here:
https://www.englishpage.com/minitutorial ... ercise.htm

Some examples:

1- I suggest that Frank read the directions carefully before assembling the bicycle. He doesn't want the wheels to fall off while he is riding down a hill

2- She told me that the government regulates the airline industry. I don't know if that is true.

3- I think it's an interesting fact that she comes from Estonia.

My question is: When do you use/add the "s" to the verb? I cant make sense of it.

Thanks

bb · Accepted Answer

Subjunctive Rules and List of Verbs

The subjunctive in English is the simple form of the verb when used after certain verbs indicating that one person wants another person to do something. The word  that  must always appear in subjunctive sentences. If it is omitted, most of the verbs are followed by the infinitive.

Example:  
We  urge that  you  leave  now.
We  urge  you  to leave  now.

Structure:  
 subject + verb from table below (any tense) +   that   + subject + verb in simple form

Use that  after  these verbs in subjunctive mood: 
 advise decree move prefer request suggest
ask demand order propose require urge
command insist recommend stipulate
 
  Examples:  
The judge  insisted that  the jury  return  a verdict immediately.
The university  requires that  all its students  take  this course.
The doctor  suggested that  his patient  stop  smoking.
Congress has  decreed that  the gasoline tax  be  abolished.
We  proposed that  he  take  a vacation.
I  move that  we  adjourn  until this afternoon.

There is also a list of adjectives after which you should use  that  and follow them by a simple verb form:

advised necessary recommended urgent
important obligatory required imperative
mandatory proposed suggested

it + be (any tense) + adjective +  that  + subject + verb in simple tense

Examples:  
It is  necessary that  he  find  the books.
It was  urgent that  she  leave  at once.
It has been  proposed that  we  change  the topic.
It is  important that  you  remember  this question.
It has been  suggested that  he  forget  the election.
It was  recommended that  we  wait  for the authorities.

rajatr · Answer

Subjunctives are of two types :
1.  Use of Subjunctives in sentences with the word if , and it takes the following two forms
   If x  were  , y  would 
 Y  would  if x  were

e.g. I wouldn't do that if were you.

2. Use of subjunctive with commands/orders/requests and  that  
 the proper construction is 
  Subject + order or demand verb+ that + object + bare infinitive + rest of sentence   
 e.g. The manager  requested   that  the staff stay late to finish the project
 It is imperative that he found a job quickly  
 It is imperative that he find a job quickly.

ariel · Answer

The -s is added to the end of the verb because the verb is referring to a noun that is in its singular, 3rd person form (he, she, it). The only exception is when the verb follows an imperative construction (e.g. it is important that, as well as with verbs like: demand, insist, etc), then the verb in question is used in its  infinitive form .

bb · Answer

I think I actually have a list of verbs that are used with subjunctive, so it is easy just to memorize them. I will post when I get back home.

Sontawila · Answer

Thank you both for your valuable replies.

So in this case it's not Subjunctive?

bb · Answer

That's right :!:

ankur55 · Answer

Which sentence is correct in GMAT perspective or gramatically?

We urge  that  you leave now.
We urge  you to  leave now.

ykaiim · Answer

Hi,

Which of the following sunjunctive forms is correct:
1. I hope that I will finish this book my Monday

2. I hope that I finish this book my Monday

Please explain.

bb · Answer

This is not subjunctive (see definition above)
The first version sounds the most correct to me. "I hope that I finish this book by Monday"

hsguest · Answer

Hi,

Which of the following sunjunctive forms is correct:
1. I hope that I will finish this book my Monday

2. I hope that I finish this book my Monday

Please explain.

I think both are incorrect since you typically omit using "that" after words like hope, say, suppose, think and expect. I got this from some explanation is OG-12. Although I would definitely like if someone can confirm this.

Thanks.

bb · Answer

The definition of subjunctive is: The subjunctive in English is the simple form of the verb when used after certain verbs indicating that one person wants another person to do something. (above)

HOPE does not fall under that, so it is not subjunctive.

The word "that" with HOPE is optional - some use it and others don't. I don't think one way is more correct than the other except that you do have one less word.

Alchemist1320 · Answer

Does this mean that

with verbs....verb in simple form ?

with adjectives...verb in simple tense ?

Thanks

rbansal6 · Answer

Following this rule..we should have THAT in correct option choice below? Pls explain..

Q:Senator Lasker has proposed legislation requiring  that employers should retain all older workers  indefinitely or show just cause for dismissal.

(A) that employers should retain all older workers 
(B) that all older workers be retained by employers 
(C) the retaining by employers of all older workers 
(D) employers’ retention of all older workers 
(E) employers to retain all older workers

Zarrolou · Answer

In this one " requiring " is used as modifier , not as verb . It refers to "legislation", and the correct option in E. It modifies legislation, and that's why THAT is wrong. The -ING form if not preceed by a comma (", "+"ing verb") refers to the preceding noun or noun phrase. verb-ing-modifiers-part-2-in-our-first-article-on-verb-ing-135567.html This noun could or could not be the subject. The rule above refers to the cases in which "require" (for example) is used as verb. The new prodedure requires that ... But in this case "require" is a modifier, not a verb and the rule does not hold true. Hope it's clear

bev · Answer

Examples:
It is  necessary  that he find the books.
It was  urgent  that she leave at once.
It has been  proposed  that we change the topic.
It is  important  that you remember this question.
It has been  suggested  that he forget the election.
It was  recommended  that we wait for the authorities.

Hello, can someone pls explain how are the underlined words playing role of adjectives...I know this is a silly question, but I am stuck.

gmatter0913 · Answer

Need your help in understanding a little more about the usage of "that" here.

You mentioned that

Does this mean if we use "requiring  that ", then "requiring" is not modifying "legislation". If so, could you elaborate on this please?

Zarrolou · Answer

Sure!

I am quoting from bb's post

subject + verb from table below (any tense) + that + subject + verb in simple form

so if the sentence were "legislations require that new citizens have a special permit", than   that   is necessary because " require " acts as a verb. (matching the structure above)
But in the sentence 
 Senator Lasker has proposed legislation  requiring employers to retain all older workers  indefinitely or show just cause for dismissal.  
there is not the verb "require", there is "requiring" : a modifier, so  you do not have the above mentioned structure  (subj+verb+that+...).

Hope I've explained myself well.

amkabdul · Answer

Hello Experts,

That GMAT club grammar book clearly says that "advise" is a command subjunctive verb and should be followed by THAT + subject+ Verb in bare form (many other grammar websites have voted the same)

Eg: Everyone is advised that they be here on time.

But the Manhattan SC Guide clearly says that Advised is followed by an infinitive.

Can you please clear this doubt of mine and tell me the exact construction to be used for "Advise"

amkabdul · Answer

Secondly why does the GMAT club grammar book says that "declared" is always followed by a that; rather it marks it to be obligatory to have a that after declared.

The standard idioms differ with this .

Can you please confirm to me.

Subjunctive and use of that with simple verb form

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Subjunctive and use of that with simple verb form

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