G11_U9 Grammar Review [Subjunctive Mood] (2)

Which verb form is used in the subjunctive mood after verbs like 'suggest', 'recommend', and 'demand'?

• Infinitive with 'to'
• Base form (bare infinitive)
• Past participle
• Present participle (-ing)

Answer explanation

In subjunctive sentences, the verb in the second clause takes the base form (bare infinitive) without 'to', e.g., 'The doctor suggested that Tom stop smoking.'

Which sentence uses the subjunctive mood correctly?

• The manager insists that he works overtime.
• The manager insists that he work overtime.
• The manager insists that he worked overtime.
• The manager insists that he is working overtime.

Answer explanation

The subjunctive requires the base form of the verb: 'work' (not 'works', 'worked', or 'is working') after 'insists that'.

Choose the correct sentence using 'It is + adjective + that...' subjunctive.

• It is necessary that he finds the books.
• It is necessary that he found the books.
• It is necessary that he find the books.
• It is necessary that he is finding the books.

Answer explanation

After 'It is + adjective (necessary, important, essential…) + that', the verb in the second clause must be in the base form.

I wish I _____ a million dollars right now. (I don't have a million dollars)

• have
• had
• would have
• will have

Answer explanation

Wish + past tense expresses a wish about the present that is contrary to reality. Since 'to be' requires 'were' for all subjects, other verbs use simple past: 'had'.

She would rather that her brother _____ her secret. (present subjunctive – she wants him to keep it)

• keeps
• keep
• kept
• has kept

Answer explanation

Would rather that + subject + base verb (simple form) is used to express a present wish about another person's action.

Which adjective can be used in the 'it is ___ that + subjunctive' structure?

• happy
• angry
• essential
• surprised

Answer explanation

Only adjectives expressing necessity or importance trigger the subjunctive: essential, necessary, important, vital, mandatory, urgent, etc.

Bob would rather that Jill _____ to class yesterday. (She didn't go)

• goes
• go
• had gone
• went

Answer explanation

Would rather that + past perfect expresses a wish about a past event that did not happen: 'had gone'.

It's high time you _____ your homework!

• do
• did
• have done
• will do

Answer explanation

'It's high time / It's about time' is followed by the simple past tense to indicate the action is overdue.

If only I _____ harder last year! (I didn't study hard enough)

• study
• studied
• had studied
• would study

Answer explanation

'If only' + past perfect expresses regret about a past action that didn't happen or went wrong.

Which of the following verbs does NOT typically trigger the subjunctive?

• Demand
• Recommend
• Know
• Insist

Answer explanation

Verbs that trigger the subjunctive are those expressing requests, demands, recommendations, or suggestions: demand, recommend, insist, suggest, require, etc. 'Know' is not one of them.