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Subjunctive and Formal Demands

You can make formal suggestions, demands and conditions with the subjunctive and with inverted if-clauses.

Grammar underneath: suggest / insist / recommend + that + base verb · It is essential / vital that + base verb · Were it not for / Should you / Had I known

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I suggest that he be…

Use the base verb after suggest, insist, recommend.

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Micro-lessons

I suggest that he be…Use the base verb after suggest, insist, recommend.6 min
It is essential that…Use the base verb after an adjective of importance.6 min
Were it not for… / Should you…Leave out if and turn the clause around.6 min
Formal demands, mixedChoose the right formal form.6 min