The Mandative Subjunctive: I Insist That He Be Present
Quick answer
The mandative subjunctive is one way to express a demand, recommendation or requirement in a that-clause: I insist that he be present. It uses the base verb, such as be, attend or leave, without to. Other constructions, including should, can express similar meanings.
Recognise the Base Form
- It is essential that every student attend the briefing. The verb is attend, without third-person -s.
- She demanded that the report be rewritten. The base form stays be after the past verb demanded.
- They recommended that he not travel alone. The negative uses not before the base verb.
The form does not change to agree with he, she or it. The surrounding sentence tells us when the proposed action should happen. This is a useful form for formal requests and requirements; using it does not by itself establish a CEFR level.
Common Introductions
- I suggest that she speak to the manager.
- They recommend that he apply early.
- We request that you arrive by nine.
- It is important that she not be disturbed.
These verbs and expressions can introduce a mandative clause when they convey a suggestion, request or requirement. Do not apply the pattern solely because you see a particular word. Its meaning in the sentence matters.
A Suggestion Is Different From a Report
She suggested that he see a doctor. This gives advice. The evidence suggests that he saw a doctor. This draws a conclusion about an event. The second example uses an ordinary indicative verb because it reports what the evidence indicates.
Likewise, He insists that he is right asserts something as true. He insists that she be promoted expresses a demand. Context helps us interpret a sentence; not every occurrence of insist requires the subjunctive.
An Accepted Alternative With Should
It is essential that every student should attend. This is an accepted construction, often used in British English. The mandative subjunctive is also used in British English and is particularly familiar in American English. Choose a construction appropriate to the required style.
Compare the forms she attends (indicative), she attend (subjunctive in this pattern), and she should attend (with a modal). A question asking you to identify the subjunctive tests its form; it should not imply that every other construction is ungrammatical in every context.
Negatives and Passives
- Negative: We request that you not be late. For this target form, use not + base verb.
- Passive: They demanded that the matter be resolved. Use be + past participle.
- Avoid They demanded that we to leave. The subject we is followed directly by leave in the subjunctive clause.
In the quiz, follow the stated task: identify the mandative subjunctive, complete its negative or passive form, or recognise a report rather than a request.
Your Turn — Quick Quiz
Answer five questions. Follow the stated task, then read the explanation for each answer.
1. Which sentence uses the mandative subjunctive?
2. Use the mandative subjunctive: “The committee demanded that the report ___ rewritten.”
3. Which sentence is a REPORT, not a demand?
4. Which sentence uses the negative mandative subjunctive?
5. “I insist that he should be present” is:
Keep Going
You have practised the mandative subjunctive and an alternative with should. Try writing one request in both forms.
Next, practise the patterns used for concession and contrast, including full clauses, reduced clauses and noun phrases.
Next lesson: Concessive Clauses — Although, Whereas, Albeit, Notwithstanding
Sources
Further reference: BBC Learning English: the subjunctive.
I’m Khamis Maiouf. I’m studying Health and Social Care and have completed Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Level 3 Hairdressing. I have taught ESOL in my community and helped students with GCSE English. I run English Teacher Site to help people learn and practise English.