What you'll learn
By the end of this lesson, you'll be able to use the subjunctive after "It is essential/vital/crucial that..." structures.
When do I use it?
After impersonal expressions of importance, the verb in the that-clause uses the subjunctive (base form):
- "It is essential that every applicant be interviewed."
- "It is vital that the patient not be moved."
- "It is important that she speak to the manager."
These appear mostly in formal and academic writing, reports and policy documents.
How do I form it?
It + is + essential/vital/crucial/necessary/important + that + subject + base verb
- It is crucial that the tests be completed today.
- It is necessary that he attend the meeting.
- It is important that the rules be followed.
- It is essential that the team not lose focus.
Common mistakes for Spanish speakers
Spanish "es esencial que él esté" gives you the subjunctive instinct, but English speakers frequently slip into the indicative in speech ("it is essential that he is there"). In formal writing, use "be". Do not add "to" ("that he to attend" is wrong) and place the negative as "not + base verb": "that he not miss it", not "that he doesn't miss it".
It is essential that + subject + base verb. The "be" after "that" is the signal.
Practice
Multiple Choice
C1Which sentence is correct and formal?
Fill in the Blank
C1It is vital that the report submitted on time.
Hint: Subjunctive after 'vital that'.
Find the Error
C1Sentence Transformation
C1Task: Rewrite with 'It is necessary that...' + subjunctive
Hint: necessary that + subject + base verb.
Practice Speaking
Apply what you've learned in a real conversation with AI feedback.
Level: C1