Subjunctive and formal structures

The mandative subjunctive, inverted conditionals and other formal structures

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1. 1
   Multiple choice

   Choose the formal subjunctive: It is essential that every applicant a valid passport.

   havehas hadhadhavingAfter 'It is essential that', formal English uses the base form of the verb for every person.
2. 2
   Multiple choice

   it not for your help, I would never have finished on time.

   WereWasHadIf'Were it not for' is a formal inverted form of 'If it were not for'.
3. 3
   Multiple choice

   you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

   ShouldWouldWereHad'Should you require' is a formal inverted form of 'If you require'.
4. 4
   Multiple choice

   The committee recommended that the proposal rejected.

   bebeenbeingto beAfter verbs like recommend, insist and demand, formal English uses the base form (subjunctive).
5. 5
   Fill the gap

   I known about the problem earlier, I would have acted immediately.

   HadShouldWereIf'Had I known' is a formal inverted form of the third conditional 'If I had known'.
6. 6
   Fill the gap

   The doctor insisted that he smoking at once.

   stopstoppingstopsto stopAlso accepted: should stopAfter 'insist that' we use the subjunctive, the base form, even in the past.
7. 7
   Fill the gap

   he to resign, the whole team would follow him.

   Answer: Were'Were he to resign' is a formal inverted form of 'If he were to resign'.
8. 8
   Fill the gap

   that as it may, we still have to meet the deadline.

   Answer: Be'Be that as it may' is a fixed subjunctive expression meaning 'even if that is true'.
9. 9
   Fill the gap

   I'd rather you tell anyone about this yet.

   didn'tdon'twon'tnotAlso accepted: did notAfter 'I'd rather' + another subject, we use the past simple for the present or future.
10. 10
    True / false

    In formal English, 'If I were you' is preferred to 'If I was you'.

    Answer: True'Were' is the subjunctive form used for unreal situations in formal and careful English.
11. 11
    True / false

    This sentence is correct: 'Had I not to miss the train, I would have arrived on time.'

    Answer: FalseThe inverted form is 'Had I not missed the train', with the past participle.
12. 12
    Discussion question

    Imagine you are writing a formal letter of complaint to a hotel. Write three sentences using structures such as 'I insist that...', 'Should you...' and 'Were it not for...'.

    Sample answer: I insist that the full cost of my stay be refunded. Were it not for the kindness of one receptionist, my visit would have been a complete disaster. Should you wish to discuss this further, please call me.