Subjunctive forms
In English, the subjunctive is used less and less. It is mainly seen in literature and formal or academic context. The present subjunctive is formed by using the verb in infinitive form after the subject. Should is also commonly used in British English. 1
1. Verbs often followed by the subjunctive include the following: advise, ask, command, demand, desire, insist, propose, recommend, request, suggest, urge.
E.g.
John suggested (that) she (should) leave early — John sugirió que ella saliera temprano
They demanded (that) we be punctual — Exigieron que llegáramos puntuales
They recommended that the script be rewritten — Recomendaron que se volviera a escribir el guión
Note that after some words, both indicative and subjunctive are possible, with difference in meaning:
- I insist that he is here —Insisto que está aquí
- I insist that he be here — Insisto en que esté aquí
It is not uncommon to hear the indicative where the subjunctive would be more "correct".
The doctor suggested he went (he (should) go) to hospital for further testing. Irish Independent-Jan 22, 2017
Dalhausser began playing volleyball in high school after a friendsuggested he tried (he (should) try) the sport. NBC Olympics-Aug 3, 2016
2. After certain expressions which include: it is best , it is important , it is desirable, it is urgent, it's recommended, the fact that.
E.g.
It is important (that) he leave early — Es importante que salga temprano
The fact that Obama should say that is no trivial matter.
3. After some expressions should is more common: it's strange/natural/curious/interesting/surprising.
E.g.
It's interesting (that) she should call you so late — Es interesante que te llame tan tarde
It's strange (that) he should ask youfor more money — Es raro que te pida más dinero
4. In spoken English we tend to use the adjective +for+ object+ to infinitive.
E.g.
It's important for her to leave early — Es importante que salga temprano
It's strange for him to ask for more money — Es raro que pida más dinero
In The Press
It's funny that you should say it's outlandish. I spend quite a bit of time in DC. Every single trip of mine that I go there, young D.C. staffers always ... TIME-Mar 4, 2016
It is interesting that he should be interested in entrepreneurship and creativity. Then again, as an economist it probably comes naturally. The Sun Daily-Oct 3, 2016
He also demanded that they be allowed to participate in the playoffs. New York Post-Feb 15, 2017
Peterborough manager Barry Fry suggested he went to a boxing gym to help get rid of his anger and Woodhouse discovered he liked it more
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