Subjunctive After Verbs
The Pattern
Verb + that + subject + base form
After certain verbs, use the base form (no -s, no “to”):
Suggest
- I suggest that she take a different route.
- He suggested that we leave early.
- They suggest that the meeting be postponed.
Not: suggest that she takes or suggest that she to take
Recommend
- The doctor recommends that he rest for a week.
- I recommend that she apply immediately.
- They recommended that the rules be changed.
Insist
- She insists that he be on time.
- I insist that you stay for dinner.
- They insisted that the contract be reviewed.
Demand
- They demand that she resign.
- He demanded that the money be returned.
- We demand that action be taken.
Request
- She requested that he call her back.
- I request that the deadline be extended.
- They requested that we keep this confidential.
Propose
- He proposed that they meet next week.
- She proposed that the budget be increased.
- I propose that we start earlier.
Other Similar Verbs
| Verb | Example |
|---|---|
| advise | I advise that you be careful. |
| ask | She asked that the door be closed. |
| require | The law requires that all passengers wear seatbelts. |
| urge | They urged that he reconsider. |
| order | She ordered that the room be cleaned. |
Negative Form
Put “not” before the base form:
- I suggest that he not go alone.
- She recommends that we not wait too long.
- They insisted that the news not be released.
Alternative: Using “Should”
British English often uses “should” + base form:
| Subjunctive (American) | Should (British) |
|---|---|
| I suggest that he go. | I suggest that he should go. |
| She insists that we be there. | She insists that we should be there. |
Both are correct; subjunctive is more common in American English.
Alternative: Using -ing
Some verbs also work with -ing:
- I suggest going to the park.
- She recommends taking a taxi.
- He proposed meeting at noon.
Summary Table
| Verb | + that + subjunctive | + -ing | + to-infinitive |
|---|---|---|---|
| suggest | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| recommend | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| insist | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| demand | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| propose | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
Subjunctive constructions after suggest, recommend, propose, and insist are standard in formal English: “I suggest that he be informed immediately.” In informal speech, should often replaces the subjunctive: “I suggest he should be told.”