English Subjunctive

We don’t use the subjunctive very much in contemporary English unless we wish to sound very formal. The base subjunctive is typically used in that clauses after two structures:

1. Certain verbs  demand, insist, recommend, suggest, advise, ask, command, demand, desire, insist, order, prefer, propose, recommend, request

• People demand that the troops be withdrawn.
• The boss insisted that Sam not be at the meeting.
• I suggest that he study.
• Jake recommended that Susan be hired immediately.

2. After some adjectives: advisable, best, crucial, desirable, essential, imperative, important, necessary, unthinkable, urgent, vital

• It is important that everyone register.
• Is it essential that we be there?

You should write the base of the verb after the that cluse, for example: be, have, do, go, sing, work. The base subjunctive does not use any other forms (goes, sings, works).

 "should" is sometimes  used more frequently in British English

Examples:

• The doctor recommended that she should see a specialist about the problem.
• Professor William suggested that Wilma should study harder for the final exam.
• It is essential (that) you should be given your medication

• Compare also the following:
• The doctor recommended (that) he should give up smoking. 
• The doctor recommended (that) he give up smoking. (More formal)
• The doctor recommended (that) he gives up smoking. (Less formal)