The Subjunctive: Pay Should Pay Pays For Every Member To Pay

The Subjunctive
The subjunctive form is exactly the same as the infinitive without the 'to' before the verb.
We often use it in 'that' clauses, after certain verbs:
to advise (that)
to ask (that)
to command (that)
to demand (that)
to desire (that)
to insist (that)
to propose (that)
to recommend (that)
to request (that)
to suggest (that)
to urge (that)
- Jane recommended that he apply for a new job before the end of the year.
- Alex insisted that Harry join her at the company Christmas party.
- The bank manager asked that she bring in an ID card to validate her account.
We use the subjunctive when we talk about something that is important or necessary.
- Next year it will be essential that all members of the sales team give their opinion at the annual meeting.
Please note how it can be used in different tenses. It can be used to talk about events in the past, present or future:
- The manager suggested the receptionist go on another training course before being allowed to speak English with visitors.
- Imagine that we were on holiday right now!
- If I were to own a dictionary, I would know how to spell!
Or in the negative:
- Safety regulations require that visitors not enter the factory without the appropriate head gear.
The subjunctive tends to be rather formal and an alternative is usually possible.
Subjunctive
Should + infinitive
Present simple
for + subject + to + infinitive
It is essential that every member pay a fee before using the golf course.
It is essential that every member should pay a fee before using the golf course.
It is essential that every member pays a fee before using the golf course.
It is essential for every member to pay a fee before using the golf course.
There are some fixed expressions which use subjunctive forms:

It is best (that)
It is crucial (that)
It is desirable (that)
It is essential (that)
It is imperative (that)
It is important (that)
It is recommended (that)
It is urgent (that)
It is vital (that)
It is a good idea (that)
It is a bad idea (that)
- It is not a good idea that Jim be here when Catherine arrives.
- It was essential that she attend the meeting and she didn't show up!
- It is recommended that he drink a glass of water with his tablets.
Continuous and passive forms
The Subjunctive can be used with continuous and passive forms.
- It is essential that you both be waiting for me at the train station.
- It is an excellent idea that a limo be waiting for the VIPs at the bottom of the aircraft steps.
- Oliver requested that we be given permission to visit the production line.
- I suggested that you be taken into consideration for the position.
The 'Unreal' Past

After certain expressions e.g. if only, it's time, what if, assuming, say, suppose/supposing, would rather/sooner and I wish we use past
tenses (active and passive) to describe things in the present, past or future which are imagined. We call this the 'unreal' past.
We can use the past simple or the past continuous after these expressions to talk about the imaginary present and
future:
W o u ld R a th e r + P a st T e n se
To talk abo ut an actio n w he n w e w ant so m e o ne to do so m e thing:
- I w ould rathe r he c a m e this afte rnoon. I'm busy this m orning.
W o u ld R a th e r + P a st P e rfe ct
To talk abo ut past actio n:
- H e w ould rathe r I h a d n 't p h o n e d him so late .
W o u ld R a th e r + P a st T e n se
The Past te nse is use d he re , but its m e aning is pre se nt o r future :
- I'm going to m ake a chocolate cake .
- I w ould rathe r you d i d n 't m a k e it!
W o u ld R a th e r + T h a n
To m ake a cho ice :
- W ould you rathe r go shopping or go for som e thing to e at?
- I w ould rathe r look in the shops t h a n e at a big m e al.
If O n ly
To e x pre ss re gre ts abo ut the past o r the pre se nt that w e w o uld like to change :
- I f o n l y I hadn't said it!
To talk abo ut the past:
- I f o n l y I had studie d scie nce at unive rsity and not philosophy!
To co m plain:
- I f o n l y the sun w ould shine for a w hile .
To e x pre ss a ho pe o r w ish:
- I f o n l y I had m ore savings in the bank.

The Subjunctive: Pay Should Pay Pays For Every Member To Pay

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The Subjunctive: Pay Should Pay Pays For Every Member To Pay

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The Subjunctive

There are some fixed expressions which use subjunctive forms:

The 'Unreal' Past

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