WPWord Play

The Subjunctive

LESSON
Lesson Reference
Grammar rules and examples for self-study
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REVIEW
Review Exercises
Fill-in and gap-fill practice tasks
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ANSWER KEY
Answer Key
Correct answers for all exercises
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The Subjunctive

Grammar Reference

Form Example
Mandativesuggest/recommend/insist + that + base verbI suggest that he should arrive early.
Important thatessential / important + that + baseShe insists that he should apologise.
Were-subjunctiveIf I were · I wish I were · as if he wereI suggest that he arrive early.
Registerformal/exam/written EnglishShe insists that he apologise.

The Subjunctive — Exercises

Choose the correct subjunctive form

  1. The doctor insisted that the patient _____ complete bed rest.
    (have / has / had) 
  2. It is vital that every applicant _____ the form in full.
    (complete / completes / completed) 
  3. If I _____ you, I would accept the offer.
    (were / was / am) 
  4. She recommended that he _____ professional advice.
    (seek / seeks / sought) 
  5. He spoke as if he _____ the owner of the place.
    (were / was / is) 
  6. The proposal requires that the plan _____ revised.
    (be / is / was) 
  7. _____ that as it may, we still need a decision.
    (Be / Is / Was) 
  8. The manager demanded that the report _____ immediately.
    (be submitted / is submitted / was submitted) 

Rewrite using the subjunctive

  1. The committee recommended that he should resign.
  2. I suggest that she should apply for the position.
  3. It is essential that the data is verified before publication.
  4. If he was more experienced, he would have the job.

Exercise three — Production

  1. Write a sentence using the present subjunctive after "It is essential/vital/important that..."

The Subjunctive — Answer Key

Choose the correct subjunctive form

  1. have
  2. complete
  3. were
  4. seek
  5. were
  6. be
  7. Be
  8. be submitted

Rewrite using the subjunctive

  1. The committee recommended that he resign.
  2. I suggest that she apply for the position.
  3. It is essential that the data be verified before publication.
  4. If he were more experienced, he would have the job.

Exercise three — Production

  1. Open answer — graded automatically online; no single fixed model answer.