| Subjunctives in Noun Clauses |
| |
| After certain verbs or expressions, the verb in the noun clause is in subjunctive form. |
| |
| Form |
|
A subjunctive is the simple form of the verb, no
s or es and ed at the end of the
verb. It has no present, past, or future form. In the negative subjunctive
not
precedes the verb. |
| |
| Usage |
|
I prefer that Claire not
talk in class. |
| |
| Subjunctives express the desire, the urgency of a situation, or the doubts of the speaker. |
| |
| Form |
|
The following is a list of most commonly used verbs with subjunctives in noun
clauses. |
| |
|
|
| advise |
|
suggest |
| demand |
|
request |
| prefer |
|
insist |
| recommend |
|
desire |
|
| |
| Usage |
|
I suggest that she take
more English courses. |
| |
| Form |
|
Here is a list of adjectives that are used with subjunctives. |
| |
|
|
| essential |
|
indispensable |
| imperative |
|
urgent |
| crucial |
|
vital |
|
| |
| Usage |
|
It is indispensable that he
use the time intelligently. |
| |
| The use of subjunctives in the noun clauses is formal. An alternative is the use of
should + the simple form of the verb which is more natural and easier to follow. |
| |
|
|
The department head recommended that we
should offer adult education
classes. |
| |
| Noun Clauses - Subjectives in Noun Clauses
- Examples |