Subjunctive and Formal Structures Worksheets
17 worksheets · Advanced grammar
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Subjunctive & formal structures worksheets
17 printable worksheets with answer keys.
About Subjunctive & formal structures
The English subjunctive uses the base form of the verb for every person, especially after verbs and adjectives of demand, suggestion and necessity: The committee recommended that she be promoted. It is essential that every student attend. It also survives in were for hypotheses (If I were you) and in fixed phrases such as Be that as it may and God save the King.
It is typically taught at C1. In British English the mandative subjunctive is formal, and should + infinitive (We insisted that he should leave) or an ordinary indicative verb is often preferred. Learners often do not recognize the form (he be, she attend) as correct, or use an object + to-infinitive after suggest (suggest him to go), which is wrong.
This page offers printable subjunctive worksheets with answer keys, ready to print as PDF or complete online via a class link, covering the mandative subjunctive, were and related formal structures.
Teaching tips: Subjunctive & formal structures
- Contrast three versions: I suggest that he go / that he should go / that he goes, and discuss formality and variety.
- Watch for 'suggest someone to do': suggest and recommend are followed by a that-clause or -ing, never an object + to-infinitive.
- Show negative forms clearly: It is vital that he not be told, with not before the base verb and no do.
- Use authentic formal texts such as regulations and minutes so learners see where the subjunctive naturally appears.
Questions teachers ask
Is the subjunctive still used in British English?
Yes, but mainly in formal writing. In everyday British English, should + infinitive or an ordinary present tense is more common after suggest, recommend and insist.
Is 'If I was you' wrong?
It is common in informal speech, but If I were you is the standard form and is expected in formal writing and exams.
How do you make the subjunctive negative?
Put not before the base form without do: They requested that the matter not be discussed.