Subjunctive ( I suggest you do )

Unit 33  Subjunctive (I suggest you do)

A.   Study this example:

Mary said to Pete, ''Why don't you buy some new clothes?''

Mary suggested (that) Pete buy some new clothes.

The subjunctive is always the same as the base form (I buy, he buy, she buy, etc.).

I/he/she/it      }
we/you/they  }        do buy/be, etc


B.   You can use the subjunctive after these verbs:
suggest                      propose                    recommend                    insist                          demand

• I suggest (that) you take a vacation.

• They insisted (that) we have dinner with them.

• I insisted (that) he have dinner with me.

• He demanded (that) she apologize to him.

• The doctor recommended (that) I rest for a few days.                        

You can use the subjunctive for the present, past, or future:

• I insist (that) you come with us.

• They insisted (that) I go with them.

Note the subjunctive be (usually passive):

• I insisted (that) something be done about the problem.

• The chairperson proposed (that) the plans be changed.

C.   Other structures are possible after insist and suggest:

• They insisted on my having dinner with them.

• It was a beautiful evening, so I suggested going for a walk.

You cannot use the infinitive after suggest:

• She suggested that he buy some new clothes. (not suggested him to buy)

• What do you suggest I do? (not suggest me to do)

D.   Should is sometimes used instead of the subjunctive.

• She suggested that he should buy some new clothes.

• The doctor recommended that I should rest for a few days.