Unit 15: Subjunctive andWishes

Illustration 1

1. The Present Subjunctive

The Present Subjunctive is a specific verb form used to emphasize urgency or importance. It is typically used after certain verbs and expressions of command, suggestion, or necessity.

Form: Use the simple form (base form) of the verb. This is the infinitive without “to”. Crucially, there is no “-s” in the third person singular (he/she/it).

Common Verbs followed by the Subjunctive: advise, ask, command, demand, desire,insist, propose, recommend, request, suggest, urge.

Examples:
• I suggest that he study. (Not studies)
• The doctor recommended that she be more careful.
• It is essential that we be on time.

Negative Form: Use not + base verb (do not use do/does).
• I suggest that you not takethe job.

2. The Past Subjunctive and Wishes

The Past Subjunctive describes unreal or hypothetical situations. It is commonly used with wish, if only, suppose, and as if.

Form: The past tense is used to talk about the present. Forthe verb to be, use were for all subjects (I, he, she, it).

Expressing Wishes and Regrets:
• Present Wish:Use the Past Simple. “I wish I had a car.” (I don’t have one now).
• Past Regret: Use the Past Perfect. “I wish I had gone on vacation.” (I didn’t go).
• Ability: Use could. “I wish I could swim.”
• Annoying Habit: Use would. “I wish he would stop singing.”

Exercise 1: Present Subjunctive Forms

Complete the sentences using the correct subjunctive form of the verb in parentheses.

  1. The teacher insists that the student ______ (be) on time for class.
  2. I suggest that he ______ (study) for the exam immediately.
  3. The doctor recommended thatshe ______ (take) a holiday.
  4. It is essential that every member ______ (attend) the meeting.
  5. We proposed that the school ______ (start) at 8:00 AM.
  6. The boss demands that John ______ (submit) the report by noon.
  7. I requested that she ______ (come) to the party alone.
  8. It is important that he ______ (not / be) late.

Exercise 2: Past Subjunctive ‘To Be’

Complete the sentences. Remember to use ‘were’ for all subjects in the subjunctive mood.

  1. I wish I ______ (be) taller so I could play basketball.
  2. If he ______ (be) here, he would know what to do.
  3. She acts as if she ______ (be) the queen of the world.
  4. Suppose you ______ (be) a millionaire; what would you buy?
  5. I wish the weather ______ (be) nicer today.
  6. If only my brother ______ (be) more careful with his money.
  7. He speaks as though he ______ (be) an expert on the subject.
  8. I wish I ______ (be) at the beach right now.
Illustration 2

Exercise 3: Wishes for the Past (Regrets)

Write sentences using ‘I wish’ and the Past Perfect to express regret about these past situations.

  1. I didn’t study for the test. __________________________________________________
  2. I ate too much chocolate cake. __________________________________________________
  3. We didn’t see the Eiffel Tower. __________________________________________________
  4. She lost her keys yesterday. __________________________________________________
  5. He didn’t save enough money. __________________________________________________
  6. They forgot to lock the door. __________________________________________________
  7. I was rudeto my friend. __________________________________________________
  8. We missed the last bus home. __________________________________________________

Exercise 4: Wishes for Ability

Complete the sentences using ‘could’ to express a wish about ability.

  1. I can’t play the piano. I wish I ______ play the piano.
  2. She cannot speak French. She wishes she ______ speak French.
  3. We can’t afford a new house. We wish we ______ afford one.
  4. He cannot run very fast. He wishes he ______ run faster.
  5. I can’t remember her name. I wish I ______remember it.
  6. They cannot travel this year. They wish they ______ travel.
  7. You cannot see the stage. Do you wish you ______ see it?
  8. My sister can’t drive. She wishes she ______ drive.

Exercise 5:Identifying Subjunctive Verbs

Underline the verb in the subjunctive mood in each sentence.

  1. The law requires that you have a driver’s license.
  2. I advise that she wait for the results.
  3. It is necessary that hefind the book.
  4. The general commanded that the soldiers attack.
  5. We urge that the committee make a decision soon.
  6. My mom suggested I get a summer job.
  7. It is mandatory that Lt. Smith be in the office at 0730.
  8. Dr. Smith asked that Mark submit his paper.

Exercise 6: Wishes for Habits (Annoyance)

Complete the wishes using ‘would’ to show you want a behavior to change.

  1. My brother borrows my clothes. I wish he ______ stop borrowing them.
  2. It is raining hard. I wish it ______ stop raining.
  3. The dog barks all night. I wish the dog ______ be quiet.
  4. He smokes in the office. I wish he ______ not smoke here.
  5. She talks loudly on the phone. I wish she ______ talk quietly.
  6. They leave the door open. I wish they ______ close the door.
  7. My neighbor plays loud music. I wish he ______ turn it down.
  8. You interrupt me constantly. I wish you ______ stop interrupting.
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