What you'll learn
By the end of this lesson, you'll be able to use the subjunctive to express formal recommendations, requirements and demands.
When do I use it?
The subjunctive marks language that is official, professional or academic. Typical contexts:
- Requirements in documents: "The policy requires that employees not use personal devices."
- Recommendations: "The committee recommends that the budget be increased."
- Contracts and agreements: "The parties agree that payment be made within 30 days."
- Academic writing: "We propose that the study be repeated."
Use the passive subjunctive too: "that the matter be resolved", "that a decision be taken".
How do I form it?
require/recommend/propose/demand + that + subject + base verb that + subject + be + past participle (passive subjunctive)
- The regulations require that all visitors be registered.
- The board recommends that the project be funded.
- We demand that the terms be respected.
- It was suggested that the meeting be postponed.
Common mistakes for Spanish speakers
In formal contexts Spanish uses the subjunctive naturally, so the concept transfers — but in English the subjunctive is often replaced by "should" or the indicative in speech: "recommends that the budget should be increased". Both are correct; the bare subjunctive is more formal. Avoid mixing: "recommends that the budget be increased" or "...should be increased", never "...that the budget should be increased" if you want the cleanest formal register. And keep the negative as "not be/not use".
In formal writing: recommend/require/propose that + subject + base verb (or be + participle).
Practice
Multiple Choice
C1Which sentence is the most formal?
Fill in the Blank
C1The committee recommends that the budget increased.
Hint: Passive subjunctive: 'that the budget be increased'.
Find the Error
C1Sentence Transformation
C1Task: Rewrite with the subjunctive
Hint: require that + subject + base verb (drop 'must').
Practice Speaking
Apply what you've learned in a real conversation with AI feedback.
Level: C1