The subjunctive and other formal structures

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What is the subjunctive?

The subjunctive is a special verb form we use for things that are not real – like wishes, suggestions, or things that might not happen.
We use it when we talk about what we want or what we imagine, not what is true.
For example: “I wish I were on a beach.” – This is a wish, not true, so we use were instead of was.
The subjunctive often appears after words like wish, suggest, demand, or important.
It is different from the indicative, which is the normal way we talk about facts.

How to form the subjunctive

For most verbs, the subjunctive looks like the base form (the verb without -s, -ed, or -ing).
In the present subjunctive, we drop the -s from the third person singular. So we say “he go” not “he goes”.
Example: “It is important that she stay by your side.” – We say stay, not stays.
For the past subjunctive, we use were for all subjects, even with I, he, she, or it.
Example: “If I were you, I would study harder.” – We say were, not was.

When to use the subjunctive

Use the subjunctive after wish for things that are not true: “I wish I were taller.”
Use it after suggest, demand, insist, or ask when we want someone to do something: “The teacher insisted that he be present.”
Use it after important, necessary, or essential to say what must happen: “It is necessary that you be quiet.”
Use it for hypothetical (imaginary) situations with if: “If I were a bird, I would fly.”
We do not use the subjunctive for facts or things that are true.

What are formal structures?

Formal structures are ways of writing or speaking that sound more serious, polite, or official.
We use them in school essays, letters to important people, or news reports.
The subjunctive is one formal structure, but there are others.
Formal structures can make your writing sound more grown-up and careful.

Inversion after negative openings

Inversion means swapping the normal word order – putting the verb before the subject.
We do this after negative words like never, rarely, seldom, or not only.
Example: “Never have I seen such a beautiful sunset.” – Normally we say “I have never seen…”
Another example: “Not only did she win, but she also broke a record.”
This makes the sentence sound more formal and dramatic.

Nominalisation

Nominalisation is turning a verb (an action word) into a noun (a thing).
For example: “decide” becomes “decision”, “discuss” becomes “discussion”.
Instead of saying “We decided to go”, we can say “We made a decision to go.”
Nominalisation makes writing sound more formal and less personal.
Use it in reports or essays, but not in everyday chat.

Impersonal openings

Impersonal openings are sentence starters that do not mention a specific person.
They use words like it or there to begin a sentence.
Examples: “It is thought that exercise is good for you.” or “There are many reasons to recycle.”
These openings sound formal and are common in news and school reports.
They help you avoid saying “I think” all the time.

When to use formal structures

Use formal structures in school essays, reports, and letters to adults.
Use them when you want to sound polite or serious.
Do not use them in casual talk with friends – they would sound strange and stiff.
The subjunctive is often used in formal writing, but also in some everyday phrases like “If I were you”.
Knowing when to use them shows you are a good writer.

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1.What is the subjunctive mood used for?
Easy
- ATo talk about facts that are always true
- BTo talk about wishes, suggestions, or things that are not real
- CTo ask a question
- DTo give a command
2.Which sentence uses the subjunctive mood correctly?
Easy
- AI wish I was taller.
- BI wish I were taller.
- CI wish I am taller.
- DI wish I be taller.
3.In the present subjunctive, the verb 'to be' becomes 'be' for all subjects (e.g., 'I suggest that he be quiet').
Easy
True or false?
4.Which sentence contains a subjunctive form?
Medium
- AShe goes to school every day.
- BIt is important that she stay by your side.
- CThey are playing outside.
- DHe has finished his work.
5.Which of the following sentences use the subjunctive mood? (Select all that apply)
Medium
- AI suggest that you be careful.
- BIf I were you, I would go.
- CThe judge insisted that he be present.
- DShe is happy because she won.
6.In formal English, which sentence uses an impersonal opening correctly?
Medium
- AIt is thought that the meeting will start soon.
- BPeople think that the meeting will start soon.
- CEveryone thinks that the meeting will start soon.
- DI think that the meeting will start soon.
7.The subjunctive form of 'to be' in the past is always 'was'.
Easy
True or false?
8.Which sentence uses the subjunctive after a verb of suggestion?
Medium
- AShe suggests that he studies harder.
- BShe suggests that he study harder.
- CShe suggests that he studies hard.
- DShe suggests that he will study harder.

Mehr Fragen

9.Match each sentence to its correct mood (subjunctive or indicative).
Medium
- If I were you, I would go.
- She is going to school.
- The judge demanded that he be silent.
- Subjunctive
- Indicative
- Subjunctive
10.Match each sentence to the correct mood: subjunctive or indicative.
Easy
- I suggest that she be quiet.
- She is quiet.
- If I were rich, I would travel.
- subjunctive
- indicative
11.Put these steps in the correct order to turn the informal sentence 'People think that he is guilty' into a formal impersonal opening.
Medium
- Change the verb 'think' into a noun: 'thought'.
- Start with 'It is'.
- Add 'that' and the rest of the sentence.
- Write 'It is thought that he is guilty.'
12.Which of the following sentences use the subjunctive mood correctly? (Select all that apply)
Medium
- AThe teacher insisted that everyone be on time.
- BIf I was taller, I could reach the shelf.
- CIt is important that she stays calm.
- DI wish I were on holiday.
13.Choose the sentence that uses the subjunctive correctly after a verb of suggestion.
Medium
- AI suggest that he studies harder.
- BI suggest that he study harder.
- CI suggest that he studied harder.
- DI suggest that he will study harder.
14.Which sentence contains a nominalisation (turning a verb into a noun)?
Medium
- AThe company's decision surprised everyone.
- BThe company decided quickly.
- CEveryone was surprised by the decision.
- DThe company made a decision that surprised everyone.
15.Choose the correct subjunctive form to complete the sentence: 'It is important that she ___ by your side.'
Easy
- Astays
- Bstay
- Cstayed
- Dstaying
16.Which sentence uses 'were' correctly as a past subjunctive?
Easy
- AIf I was you, I would apologise.
- BIf I were you, I would apologise.
- CIf I am you, I would apologise.
- DIf I be you, I would apologise.
17.In the present subjunctive, the verb 'to be' becomes 'be' for all subjects.
Easy
True or false?
18.Which sentence correctly uses an impersonal opening?
Medium
- AIt is thought that the story is true.
- BPeople think that the story is true.
- CThe story is thought to be true by people.
- DPeople believe the story is true.
19.Which sentence uses inversion correctly after a negative opening?
Medium
- ANever I have seen such a beautiful sunset.
- BNever have I seen such a beautiful sunset.
- CNever have seen I such a beautiful sunset.
20.Which word is a nominalisation of the verb 'decide'?
Medium
- Adecision
- Bdeciding
- Cdecided
- Ddecisive
21.Choose the sentence that correctly uses the subjunctive after a verb of suggestion.
Medium
- AShe suggested that he goes to the doctor.
- BShe suggested that he go to the doctor.
- CShe suggested that he went to the doctor.
- DShe suggested that he going to the doctor.
22.Which of the following sentences use formal structures? (Select all that apply)
Hard
- AIt is believed that the treasure is hidden.
- BNever have I seen such chaos.
- CThe teacher's decision was final.
- DPeople say that the film is good.
- EIf I were rich, I would travel the world.
23.The sentence 'It is important that she stays calm' uses the subjunctive mood correctly.
Easy
True or false?
24.Which sentence uses a nominalisation correctly?
Medium
- AThe company made a decision to expand.
- BThe company decided to expand.
- CThe company was deciding to expand.
- DThe company has decided to expand.
25.Read this sentence: 'The head teacher demanded that every pupil be in the hall by nine.' Which word shows that the sentence is using the subjunctive mood?
Easy
- Ademanded
- Bbe
- Cpupil
- Dhall
26.Read this sentence: 'It is vital that the team arrives early.' What is the effect of using 'arrives' instead of 'arrive'?
Medium
- AIt makes the sentence more formal.
- BIt makes the sentence incorrect because the subjunctive should be 'arrive'.
- CIt changes the meaning to a past event.
- DIt makes the sentence less formal.
27.In the sentence 'If I were a bird, I would fly away', the word 'were' is used because it is the past subjunctive form of 'to be'.
Easy
True or false?
28.Read this sentence: 'The teacher suggested that John be quiet during the test.' Which word is in the subjunctive mood?
Medium
- Asuggested
- Bbe
- Cquiet
- Dduring
29.Read this sentence: 'It is important that she stays calm.' What is the effect of using 'stays' instead of 'stay'?
Medium
- AIt makes the sentence more formal.
- BIt makes the sentence incorrect because the subjunctive should be 'stay'.
- CIt changes the meaning to a past event.
- DIt makes the sentence less formal.
30.What is the name of the grammatical mood used to express wishes, suggestions, or things that are not real?
Easy
- Asubjunctive
- Bindicative
- Cimperative
- Dconditional
31.In the sentence 'I suggest that he be quiet', which word is in the subjunctive form?
Easy
- Asuggest
- Bhe
- Cbe
- Dquiet
32.The subjunctive form of the verb 'to be' in the past is always 'was'.
Easy
True or false?
33.Which sentence uses an impersonal opening correctly?
Medium
- AIt is thought that the story is true.
- BPeople think the story is true.
- CThe story is thought to be true by people.
- DPeople think that the story is true.
34.Match each sentence to the mood it uses: subjunctive or indicative.
Easy
- I suggest that he be quiet.
- He is quiet.
- If I were you, I would go.
- subjunctive
- indicative
- subjunctive
35.Put these steps in the correct order to change the informal sentence 'People think that he is guilty' into a formal impersonal opening.
Medium
- Start with 'It is thought'.
- Add 'that'.
- Finish with 'he is guilty'.
36.The sentence 'It is important that she stay calm' uses the subjunctive mood correctly.
Easy
True or false?
37.Choose the sentence that correctly uses an impersonal opening.
Medium
- AIt is thought that the story is true.
- BPeople think that the story is true.
- CThe story is thought true.
- DIt is thought the story true.
38.Which sentence uses the present subjunctive correctly?
Easy
- AThe doctor recommends that she takes more rest.
- BThe doctor recommends that she take more rest.
- CThe doctor recommends that she took more rest.
- DThe doctor recommends that she taking more rest.
39.Choose the sentence that uses the subjunctive after a verb of demand.
Medium
- AThe teacher demands that every pupil arrives on time.
- BThe teacher demands that every pupil arrive on time.
- CThe teacher demands that every pupil arrived on time.
- DThe teacher demands that every pupil arriving on time.
40.Which sentence uses the past subjunctive correctly?
Medium
- AIf I was a millionaire, I would travel the world.
- BIf I were a millionaire, I would travel the world.
- CIf I am a millionaire, I would travel the world.
- DIf I be a millionaire, I would travel the world.
41.Fill in the blank with the correct subjunctive form of the verb in brackets.
Easy
The teacher insisted that every student ____ (bring) their homework.
42.What is the name of the mood that expresses a wish or a hypothetical situation?
Medium
43.Complete the sentence with the correct subjunctive form of the verb in brackets.
Easy
The doctor recommended that she ____ (rest) for a week.
44.Write the correct subjunctive form of the verb 'to be' in the sentence: 'If I ___ you, I would say sorry.'
Medium
45.Rewrite the sentence using an impersonal opening to sound more formal: 'People believe that the story is true.'
Medium
____ that the story is true.
46.What is the correct subjunctive form of the verb 'to be' in the sentence: 'If I ___ you, I would say sorry.'?
Easy
47.What is the correct subjunctive form of the verb 'to be' in the sentence: 'The judge insisted that he ___ present.'?
Medium
48.What is the name of the grammatical mood used to express wishes, suggestions, or hypothetical situations?
Easy
49.Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'to be'.
Easy
If I ____ you, I would study for the test.
50.Complete the sentence with the correct present subjunctive form of the verb in brackets.
Easy
The teacher suggested that every student ____ (bring) a pencil.
51.What is the correct subjunctive form of the verb 'to be' in this sentence? 'It is important that she ___ on time.'
Medium
52.Complete the sentence with the correct subjunctive form of the verb in brackets to make it formal.
Medium
The judge demanded that the witness ____ (tell) the whole truth.
53.Explain why we use 'were' instead of 'was' in the sentence 'If I were you, I would apologise.'
Hard

Lernnotizen

## The Subjunctive and Other Formal Structures ### What is the Subjunctive? The subjunctive is a special verb form used for things that are **wished for**, **suggested**, **demanded**, or **hypothetical** (not real). It shows how the speaker feels about what they're saying. **Examples:** - I suggest that you **be** careful. (suggestion) - It is important that she **stay** by your side. (importance) - If I **were** you, I would go. (hypothetical) ### How is it Different? Usually, verbs change with the subject (he **goes**, she **has**). But in the subjunctive, we use the **bare form** (the verb without -s or -es) for all subjects, and we use **were** instead of **was**. **Compare:** - Normal: He **goes** to school. - Subjunctive: I suggest that he **go** to school. - Normal: I **was** there. - Subjunctive: If I **were** there, I would help. ### When to Use the Subjunctive? Use it after verbs like **suggest**, **insist**, **demand**, **recommend**, and after expressions like **It is important that**, **It is necessary that**. **Examples:** - The judge insisted that he **be** present. - It is necessary that she **arrive** on time. ### Other Formal Structures #### 1. Inversion after Negative Openings Sometimes we put the verb before the subject to sound more formal, especially after negative words like **never**, **rarely**, **not only**. **Example:** - Normal: I have never seen such a sight. - Formal: **Never have I seen** such a sight. #### 2. Nominalisation Turning a verb into a noun to sound more formal. **Example:** - Verb: The company **decided** to expand. - Noun: The company made a **decision** to expand. #### 3. Impersonal Openings Starting a sentence with **It is thought that**, **It is believed that**, etc., to sound formal and objective. **Example:** - Normal: People think that exercise is good. - Formal: **It is thought that** exercise is good. ### When NOT to Use Formal Structures These structures can sound **stilted** (too formal and unnatural) in everyday conversation. Use them in writing, speeches, or formal reports, but not when talking to friends. ### Quick Tips - Use **were** for all subjects in hypothetical situations (If I were, if she were). - Use the **bare verb** after **suggest**, **insist**, **demand**, etc. - Inversion: Negative word + verb + subject. - Nominalisation: Make verbs into nouns. - Impersonal openings: Use **It is + past participle + that**. ### Practice Try rewriting these sentences more formally: 1. I suggest that he goes home. → I suggest that he **go** home. 2. She rarely visits us. → **Rarely does she visit** us. 3. They decided to close the park. → They made a **decision** to close the park. 4. People believe that reading is important. → **It is believed that** reading is important.

Subjunctive: A special verb form used for wishes, suggestions, demands, or things that are not real. It often uses the bare form of the verb (like 'be' or 'go') and 'were' instead of 'was'.
Bare form: The base form of a verb without any endings, like 'go', 'be', 'stay'. In the subjunctive, we use the bare form for all subjects.
Hypothetical: Something that is imagined or not real, like 'If I were a bird'.
Inversion: Putting the verb before the subject, often after negative words like 'never' or 'rarely', to sound more formal. Example: 'Never have I seen'.
Nominalisation: Turning a verb into a noun to sound more formal. Example: 'decide' becomes 'decision'.
Impersonal opening: Starting a sentence with phrases like 'It is thought that' or 'It is believed that' to sound formal and objective.
Stilted: Too formal and unnatural, like when you use formal structures in casual conversation.

Karteikarten

What is the subjunctive mood?

The subjunctive is a way of using verbs to talk about things that are wished for, suggested, demanded, or not real. For example, 'If I were you' or 'I suggest that you be careful.'

What is the indicative mood?

The indicative is the normal way we talk about facts and real things. For example, 'The sky is blue' is in the indicative mood.

How is the present subjunctive different from the normal present tense?

In the present subjunctive, we use the base form of the verb without adding -s for he/she/it. For example, 'I suggest that he be early' instead of 'he is early.'

What is the past subjunctive of 'to be'?

The past subjunctive of 'to be' is 'were' for all persons, even with I, he, she, it. For example, 'If I were rich' or 'If she were here.'

When do we use 'were' instead of 'was'?

We use 'were' in imaginary or unlikely situations, like 'If I were you' or 'I wish it were sunny.' This is the past subjunctive.

What is a that-clause?

A that-clause is a part of a sentence that starts with the word 'that.' For example, in 'I suggest that you be careful,' the that-clause is 'that you be careful.'

Give an example of the subjunctive after 'suggest'.

Example: 'I suggest that she go to the doctor.' The verb 'go' is in the subjunctive (no -s).

Give an example of the subjunctive after 'important'.

Example: 'It is important that he be on time.' The verb 'be' is in the subjunctive.

What is the subjunctive used for?

The subjunctive is used for wishes, suggestions, demands, and hypothetical (imaginary) situations. For example, 'I wish I were taller' or 'The teacher demanded that we be quiet.'

What does 'hypothetical' mean?

Hypothetical means imaginary or not real. For example, 'If I had a million dollars' is a hypothetical situation.

What is inversion in grammar?

Inversion means putting the verb before the subject, like in questions. For example, 'Never have I seen such a mess.'

Give an example of inversion after a negative opening.

Example: 'Not only did she win, but she also broke a record.' The verb 'did' comes before the subject 'she.'

What is nominalisation?

Nominalisation is turning a verb into a noun to sound more formal. For example, 'decide' becomes 'decision.'

Give an example of nominalisation.

Example: 'The decision was made' instead of 'They decided.' The verb 'decide' becomes the noun 'decision.'

What is an impersonal opening?

An impersonal opening is a way to start a sentence without saying who thinks or says something. For example, 'It is thought that...' or 'It is believed that...'

Give an example of an impersonal opening.

Example: 'It is believed that exercise is good for you.' This avoids saying who believes it.

When should we use formal structures like the subjunctive?

We use them in formal writing, like essays or letters, to sound polite and serious. For example, 'I request that you be present.'

When might formal structures sound too stiff?

They sound too stiff in casual conversation with friends. For example, saying 'It is requested that you come' to a friend sounds unnatural.

What is the bare form of a verb?

The bare form is the verb without any endings, like 'go,' 'be,' 'have.' It is used in the subjunctive.

What is a mood in grammar?

A mood is the way a verb shows the speaker's attitude, like whether something is a fact (indicative) or a wish (subjunctive).

What is the difference between 'I was' and 'I were'?

'I was' is for real past events. 'I were' is for imaginary or unlikely situations, like 'If I were a bird.'

What does 'demand' mean?

Demand means to ask for something very firmly. For example, 'The teacher demanded that we be quiet.'

What does 'suggest' mean?

Suggest means to offer an idea. For example, 'I suggest that you study for the test.'

What does 'wish' mean?

Wish means to want something that is not true or not possible. For example, 'I wish I were on vacation.'

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