The mandative subjunctive after suggest/demand/insist (that he be, that she arrive), formulaic survivals, and BrE should-alternative
I can use the mandative subjunctive in formal proposals and recognize its frozen formulas.
Look at these examples. Can you spot the grammar pattern?
The committee recommends that the policy be reviewed annually.
The committee recommends that the policy be reviewed annually.
Be that as it may, we insist that every guest show ID at the door.
Be that as it may, we insist that every guest show ID at the door.
Pay attention to the highlighted parts. What do they have in common?
After verbs of demand/proposal the that-clause verb stays in the base form:
| Trigger | Example |
|---|---|
| suggest, recommend | I suggest (that) he be patient. |
| demand, insist, require | They insisted that she arrive early. |
| essential, vital, important | It is vital that every door remain locked. |
BrE often prefers should: ...that she should arrive early. Frozen survivals: God save the King, be that as it may, far be it from me, if need be, long live...
Apply this grammar in C1 course exercises
Practice ExercisesIndicative after demand verbs
suggest/insist/vital + that + base form
The committee recommends that the policy be reviewed annually.
The committee recommends that the policy be reviewed annually.
Mandative be in committee English.
Be that as it may, we insist that every guest show ID at the door.
Be that as it may, we insist that every guest show ID at the door.
Frozen formula + live mandative show.
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Practice in course
Apply this grammar in C1 course exercises