Business English C1 · Lesson 8B

Grammar Bank

The rules behind this lesson — form, use, model sentences and the mistakes to avoid.

← Back to the lesson

Grammar focus of this lesson

subjunctive & formal register

1 structure

Subjunctive & formal register
Base-form verbs after verbs and adjectives of demand and importance.
I've got this
Rules & form
- ›insist / demand / recommend / propose + that + base verb (no -s).
- ›It is essential / vital / imperative that + base verb.
- ›British English often prefers should: recommend that he should attend.
- ›Fixed subjunctives: be that as it may, come what may, if need be.
Examples
- “The board insists that every contract be reviewed by legal.”
- “It is essential that she attend the hearing.”
- “We propose that the clause be removed.”
Watch out · No -s and no do in the subjunctive: that he attends ✗ in formal use.
Your own example